Every four years, Defra reviews Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) to reflect changes in nitrate concentrations. NVZs are designated areas at risk of agricultural nitrate pollution and currently cover around 55% of land in England. Farmers affected by the 2025–2028 NVZ designations will receive a notification letter from Defra and will have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
When am I likely to receive a notification letter?
The first batch of notification letters was sent out by Defra to farmers and growers in the Humber, Northumbria and Solway Tweed districts on Friday 28th March.
The second batch of notification letters is expected to go to farmers in the south east and Thames River Basin districts at the end of April.
The third batch is expected to go to farmers in the south west, Dee, Severn, Anglian and north west River Basin districts at the end of May.
Check if your land is in an NVZ
To determine if your land is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), you can use the Environment Agency’s interactive map.
Your farm may be fully or partially located in an NVZ. However, NVZ boundaries are drawn around entire fields – meaning a field is either entirely within or entirely outside the zone; there are no partial field designations. NVZ-related restrictions apply to each field included in the zone.
If your land is in an NVZ you MUST follow a mandatory set of rules which require the careful management of nitrogen fertiliser and organic manure.
If you have trouble accessing the map online or need a printed version, you can contact the Environment Agency at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
How to appeal
Once you receive the letter, you have 28 days from the date on it to appeal the decision. Appeals to Defra can only be submitted if land does not drain into water identified as polluted or if land drains into water that should not be identified as polluted. Read the guidance about how to make an NVZ appeal.
If you are a CXCS Agricultural Compliance client, the information in your binder (or on the portal) should cover most NVZ record-keeping requirements.
For further help and advice please contact our Agricultural Compliance team on 01981 590514.