Many of the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) inspections that take place are selected on a risk basis. NRW are continually testing and collating data on main watercourses that have a high or increasing level of nitrates and / or phosphates. Therefore, NRW may routinely visit all farms in a river’s catchment area and advise on ways to improve farming practices or look for any potential pollution issues.

Following the introduction of CoAPR legislation, the format of NRW inspections and the requirements have changed over the last few years, with the need for more paperwork, including evidence of field application and manure storage.

Inspections typically include reviewing the paperwork, looking over farmyard infrastructure and visiting any manure heap sites on the farm at the time of visit.

The above has been summarised and extensive inspection content can be found at: https://www.gov.wales/farm-scheme-inspections-guide-farmers-2024-edition