Farmer accused of wrecking riverside admits 7 charges
AFARMER accused of bulldozing a riverside in Herefordshire has pleaded guilty to seven charges.
Natural England and the Environment Agency launched a joint prosecution against John Price of Kingsland, Herefordshire, following an investigation into unconsented work next to the River Lugg at Kingsland, in November 2020.
A spokesperson for Natural England and the Environment Agency said that the first hearing took place on Wednesday at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court.
The defendant entered a guilty plea to all seven charges, and the case was adjourned. Sentencing is likely to be later this year.
The charges included carrying out operations on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) without consent, contravening a stop notice, contravening the Environmental Permitting Regulations and contravening the Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution Regulations.
Oliver Harmar, chief operating officer at Natural England, said in March: “The decimation of this section of the River Lugg has been devastating to the local environment and to local people, destroying the habitats of iconic wildlife such as otters, kingfisher and salmon.
“It was heartbreaking to see this beautiful riverside illegally damaged.”
The spokesperson said: “Natural England and the Environment Agency take their roles in protecting the environment seriously, and will use their enforcement powers to take robust action against those who ignore the law.”
They said that consent is required before any works are carried out within an SSSI, to the river or to the felling of particular trees.
Natural England is responsible for ensuring protection of SSSI areas and the Environment Agency is responsible for flood risk management, fish and spawning and the way rivers function.