Why are NVZ designation letters being issued?

Farmers who find themselves in an NVZ (nitrate vulnerable zone) from 2025 to 2028 will receive a letter from Defra and will be given an opportunity to appeal the decision.

It has been four years since Defra reviewed the spatial coverage of NVZs in England. 

When am I likely to receive a notification letter?

The first batch of notification letters were sent out by Defra to farmers and growers in the Humber, Northumbria and Solway Tweed districts on Friday 28 March.

If you receive one of these letters, the deadline to lodge an appeal against the decision is 28 days from the date on your notification letter.

Letters still due to be issued

The second batch of notification letters is expected to go to farmers in the South East and Thames River Basin districts at the end of April.

The third batch is expected to go to farmers in the South West, Dee, Severn, Anglian and North West River Basin districts at the end of May.