Norfolk drought: NFU's advice to farmers on irrigation water

The National Drought Group (NDG) has confirmed East Anglia is one of only two areas remaining in official drought status, along with Devon and Cornwall.

The drought was declared last August after weeks of dry, hot weather left farmers struggling to grow crops in parched fields.

Despite some desperately-needed winter rainfall, it has been a dry start to February, leaving some reservoir levels lower than anticipated and Norfolk's groundwater only now beginning to rise slowly.

The NDG, chaired by Environment Agency (EA) director John Leyland, said rainfall in the next three months will be vital in reducing summer drought risk - but the group is making contingency plans to manage resources if it remains dry.

Kelly Hewson-Fisher, water resources specialist for the National Farmers' Union - Picture: NFU (Image: NFU)

Kelly Hewson-Fisher, water specialist for the National Farmers' Union, urged farming irrigators to start a dialogue with the EA now.

"We would all love a crystal ball, but this season certainly looks a challenge when we are starting from a position of drought in February," she said.

"Last year, some reservoirs ended the irrigation season empty. Coming into the winter refill period there will be reservoirs at the end of March that are still not full. 

"The EA said they will look at extending the abstraction period on a case-by-case basis, so our message is: 'Farmers need to start that dialogue with their local EA contact now'.

"It will depend on whether the water is available - if we don't get the [river] flows then the EA cannot authorise that extended abstraction, so you need to keep an eye on the situation.

"Also, is there the ability to collaborate with others to share water? But the most important thing is to not leave these discussions too late."

Farmers have been urged to start discussions on irrigation resources now in case East Anglia's drought continues into a second summer - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)