Collection: Nitrate vulnerable zones

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. They include about 55% of land in England.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reviews NVZs every 4 years to account for changes in nitrate concentrations.

This collection of guidance explains:

• how to find out if your land is in an NVZ
• transitional arrangements until 31 July 2019 (if your land was in an NVZ for the first time in 2017)
• NVZ rules
• NVZ and cross-compliance requirements
• how to prevent water pollution from your farm