Conservation and land drainage — with certain aspects of training and research

Summary Guidelines to help resolve conflicts between conservation and land drainage have been published recently. They are addressed to all those who are involved in land drainage, sea defence, and food production as well as those concerned about the need to conserve our wetlands, our rivers and the countryside.The guidelines have been produced so that all elements of land drainage projects—from major schemes down to routine maintenance—can be identified and therefore help towards a better understanding of the problems faced by both sides. Their main message is one of cooperation and consultation.As for the wider aspects of rivers and wetlands, it has been impressed upon us that there is a growing concern about increasing food production from a declining available acreage, and about threats to property and land from higher flood levels. At the same time there is a great awareness of the need to have full regard for the protection of the countryside and its ecological balance.The guidelines seek to demonstrate how essential works of land drainage and sea defence can be achieved not only with least harm to wildlife and nature conservation, but also to enhance them wherever possible. Education, training and research are essential elements in the achievement of guideline objectives, and some programmes are becoming established.Work for this paper and the guidelines was done under the auspices of the Water Space Amenity Commission, London, 1980.Allan Blenkharn is a trained engineer, and before joining the Water Space Amenity Commission he was waterways engineer, and amenity services manager for the British Waterways Board.