Monkton farm fined for ploughing land close to water despite warnings

A South Ayrshire farm has been fined for breaching environmental regulations over potential water contamination.

J & A Lawrie, of Brieryside Farm in Monkton, were fined by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) after they failed to maintain an “appropriate buffer zone” between ploughed land and the water environment, despite a previous warning.

SEPA officers visited the farm after being notified that land had been cultivated for crops within two metres of a watercourse on July 22, 2024.

It was found that ploughing activity was in breach of environmental rules which state that land can’t be cultivated for crops within two metres of any river, burn, ditch or loch, as measured from the top of the bank. 

Cultivating too close to the water environment can increase the risk of pollution from sediment, nutrients and pesticides and lead to bank erosion and slippage, according to SEPA guidance.

Officers had previously advised managers at Brieryside about how to make sure their farming fell within the rules during visits in 2017 and 2018.

SEPA said it is “satisfied” they failed to comply with the rules in spite of clear guidance and that a fine was deemed appropriate in response.

Stephen Field, national rural unit manager at SEPA, said:  “Since 2012, SEPA have worked with land managers across 14 priority catchments where rural diffuse pollution was impacting the water environment, providing regulatory advice and requiring improvements in livestock and slurry management.

“Many rural land managers have since implemented measures over and above minimum regulatory requirements to address pollution issues arising from their farming activities.

“We’ll continue to engage with land managers and other relevant parties within the priority catchments to promote the importance of maintaining regulatory compliance.

“This civil penalty should act as a warning to others that we won’t hesitate to act action against those who ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations.

“I would urge all farmers to check activities comply with GBRs and get in touch if you are unsure – SEPA are happy to provide advice and guidance.”