River South Esk Catchment Partnership

The idea of developing a catchment management plan for the River South Esk had been discussed for a number of years. However, the partnership was only officially formed in April 2008 when funding was secured to employ a Project Officer to take forward development of the plan.
 

Why is the River South Esk catchment so important?

The River South Esk catchment is the area of land drained by the river and its burns, including its lochs, groundwaters, wetlands, and the unique estuary of Montrose Basin. This water resource is of immense value to a variety of users from the local community, to businesses, and tourism providers. It is a source of drinking water, irrigation for crops, watering for livestock, a valuable habitat for wildlife, and acts as a basis for tourism, recreation and salmon fishing. The water resource of the River South Esk Catchment is thus a central asset, underpinning much of the rural economy of Angus.
 

What will a Catchment Management Plan for the River South Esk aim to achieve?

The Catchment Management Plan will bring together all of the users of the River South Esk catchment to firstly propose, discuss and agree the main environmental, social and economic issues affecting the catchment, and then agree an action plan of measures that will guide the future management of activities within the catchment in a sustainable way.
 

What is the timescale and process for completing the CMP?

The plan will be completed by the end of December 2009. The 4 key stages of the process are:

• to consult on the key issues affecting the River South Esk catchment
• to develop an 'Issues' document drawn up as a result of the initial consultation
• to create a draft catchment management plan which will include an action plan of measures
• to launch the final Catchment Management Plan

Who is involved?

The following organisations are partners on the River South Esk steering group:

• *Angus Council

• Angus Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

• *Esk District Salmon Fishery Board (EDSFB)

• Esk Fishery Trust

• Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS)

•  Macaulay Institute (MLURI)

• National Farmers Union (NFU) – Angus Branch

• Scottish Agricultural College (SAC)

• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

• Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRIPD)

• *Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)

• Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA)

• Scottish Water

* denotes funder 

 

News and events

Public meetings:

Open evening to discuss the 'Issues Document' to be held from 7-9pm on Wednesday the 19^th November in Memus village hall, and Thursday the 20^th November in the Northern Hotel, Brechin. All welcome. Contact the Project Officer for further information

Press Releases:

• Have Your Say On The South Esk 
  (Issued 2^nd June 2008)

Downloads – Consultation documents

• NEW - South Esk Catchment - Issues Document 
  Describes the key issues affecting the catchment. Comments sought!

• Questionnaire Results

• South Esk Catchment partnership introductory leaflet and questionnaire

 

Further Information

How can I contribute to the development of the Catchment Management Plan?

By contacting:

Karen Phillip, River South Esk Project Officer

C/o Angus Council

Economic Development
County Buildings
Market Street
Forfar
DD8 3WD

Tel: 01307 47 3198

Phillipk@angus.gov.uk