Flood management

September 23 2013

The Environment Agencys recent proposed relaxation of regulations must not mean that farmers canalise as many ditches as possible
Sir, Anglers and conservationists may be nervous that Somerset farmers, lead by Mr Eavis, are taking flood control into their own hands (report, Sept 19). The Environment Agencys recent proposed relaxation of regulations to maintain watercourses must not mean that farmers canalise as many ditches as possible to get flood water off their land as soon as possible. Hopefully this will enable landowners to demonstrate their environmental credentials in managing their land to prevent localised problems that affect food production without increasing flooding downstream or destroying sensitive aquatic habitats. Rob Yorke Abergavenny