Advancements in sewage treatment have led to marked improvements UK river water quality. Unfortunately, farm animals continue to be a major cause of river water pollution. If  no action is taken by 2015, then the UK could be in breach of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).

This poses potential health risks for people using our rivers for recreational use, such as punting, canoeing or swimming.

But research has found that there is a simple solution to the problem. By fencing off ditches and streams, farm animals can no longer access the waters and this will, in turn, reduce contamination by sewage.

It has been estimated that this fencing strategy could cut E. Coli output from farm livestock (dairy etc) in to rivers by almost 60 %.

Read more here:

Planet Earth Online

Global Food Security

Natural Environment Research Council

If you need to fence off some ditches or streams, or want to add a bit more privacy to your garden check out our range of fencing.