River Esk Catchment - Water Environment Grant (WEG) farm plans and enhanced farm plans

The North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) has secured Water Environment Grant (WEG) funding as part of our River Esk catchment restoration programme. The aim of the Esk WEG Project is to restore and conserve aquatic and riparian habitats and species of the River Esk catchment, focusing specifically on the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel, Atlantic salmon and sea trout.

The purpose of this brief is to seek the Works of suitably qualified Consultants to undertake one to one farm advice visits within the Esk WEG area to produce bespoke environmentally sensitive plans for farm holdings in the River Esk Catchment. Farming with nature will be at the heart of the plans and nature conservation of the River Esk is the focus of the work.

Areas to highlight include but are not limited to: - Connectivity of the riparian habitat and terrestrial environment - Water retention and filtration - Restoration of a functioning flood plain - Diffuse pollution prevention measures - Separation of clean and dirty water, including rainwater recycling options The farm plans will be used by the NYMNPA to prioritise and target funds on a catchment scale to support conservation and farm infrastructure enhancement works, to benefit riparian and aquatic habitats and species. Following the identification of works in farm plans more detailed enhanced farm plans may be required.

Again a Consultant will be engaged to provide specifications on complex and bespoke measures, such as large sediment ponds and traps, constructed wetlands and technical yard works. Please see Section 3: Contract Specification in the attached quotation document for more details.