A NEW way of measuring the impact activities have on life in waters is being developed to ensure that all waters, including rivers, lakes and groundwater, are protected for the future.

The new method of measurement will ultimately replace the Environment Agency's current assessment of the health of rivers.

Latest figures show that on existing standards there has been little change since last year in river water quality.

In Worcestershire, 11 Defra Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreements alongside the River Avon include measure such as grass margins at field edges within arable fields. Reversion of arable land to grassland and the sympathetic management of grassland, prohibiting the use of fertilisers and pesticides, to reduce run-off and soil erosion. In addition, coppicing of bankside trees allows light onto the banks. Letting vegetation establish and so reducing soil loss from the riverbank.

The 10 CSS agreements in Warwickshire involve measures such as grass margins at field edges within arable fields, extensive pasture management and fencing off pasture to stop livestock eroding the river banks.

There has also been pollarding of willow and coppicing of bankside trees.