1. Objectives of the pilot Challenges Focus of the pilot
Context
Urban areas have grown up around the waters of the Don
After decades of pollution and neglect rivers sometimes ignored and unloved but water quality is often good
River channels over engineered
Many separate local initiatives already exist
How is the work going?
Jointly lead by Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water
Several stakeholder events held
Focus on building a strong a network for action
Emphasise not exclusively about Water Framework Directive
Next steps: agreeing a joint vision and creating a joint catchment plan
Yorkshire folk like to think their county is the biggest and best – and ours is the largest of the pilot projects covering almost 1,800 km2 and with a population of over 1.5 million.
It’s a catchment of contrasts - from the wild peat uplands of the Peak District national park, through major conurbations, along arterial transport links and across great expanses of farmland.
Objectives of the pilot
Build and sustain a productive network that will deliver co-ordinated environmental improvements
Develop, test and share engagement techniques
Challenges
Success? It’s about people
To build lasting links takes time
Developing a catchment consciousness
Securing buy-in from already busy stakeholders
Understanding the Water Framework Directive!
Focus of the pilot
The Don is already a success story.
A few decades ago many stretches were lifeless.
Together the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and industry have turned this around. Fish and wildlife are returning. But more needs to be done. Only 9% of waterbodies are good. Legacy issues and channel modification are key areas for action.

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