The Broads SAC - Sustainable Abstraction Plan

We are working to achieve sustainable levels of water abstraction within The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which will help to protect 28 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Water abstraction in East Anglia provides essential water for public water supply, agriculture and industry, but we know that too much abstraction, known as unsustainable abstraction, has a damaging impact on river flows and groundwater levels. Having the correct river flows and groundwater levels is essential to support healthy ecology, for enhancing natural resilience to drought, and ensuring that The Broads SAC continues to support wellbeing and recreation.

We have already investigated the impact of water abstraction on four SSSIs within the Ant Valley, which is a part of The Broads SAC. Following a judicial review in 2022, we were directed to extend our investigation to include an additional 24 SSSIs in The Broads SAC. We are now investigating all water abstraction licences within the Bure, Thurne, Yare, Waveney, Tud and part of the Wensum catchments. We have contacted all licence holders to tell them about our project and to explain that their licence might need to be changed to protect the additional 24 SSSIs.

A map showing our project consultation area and location of SSSIs with The Broads SAC.

What will the licence changes be?

We cannot confirm exactly which licences will need to be changed or what those changes might look like until we have completed our modelling assessments of current water abstraction activity, and any potential increases in abstraction that existing licences might allow in the future.

Our assessment will focus primarily on the effects of existing abstraction licences, both permanent and those with a time limit or expiry date. The outcome of this assessment will determine whether we need to use our statutory powers to curtail existing levels of abstraction to avoid deterioration of natural habitats within the SAC.

From April 2026, we will inform the licence holders whose current abstraction licence has been highlighted as being unsustainable. We will let them know if their licence is to be changed and we will discuss next steps, the timescales for changes and potential mitigation measures.

In line with our previous Ant Valley investigation, examples of the licence changes which could be required include:

  • reducing the daily or annual abstraction quantity

  • adding or increasing a ‘hands-off flow’ or ‘hands-off level’ restriction to your licence

  • adding a fish screen to your licence

  • revoking (cancelling) a licence

Where can I find out more?

There is more 'Information for licence holders' and other resources available on the right hand bar.

This Engagement HQ page will be regularly updated with project news and documents.


We are working to achieve sustainable levels of water abstraction within The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which will help to protect 28 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Water abstraction in East Anglia provides essential water for public water supply, agriculture and industry, but we know that too much abstraction, known as unsustainable abstraction, has a damaging impact on river flows and groundwater levels. Having the correct river flows and groundwater levels is essential to support healthy ecology, for enhancing natural resilience to drought, and ensuring that The Broads SAC continues to support wellbeing and recreation.

We have already investigated the impact of water abstraction on four SSSIs within the Ant Valley, which is a part of The Broads SAC. Following a judicial review in 2022, we were directed to extend our investigation to include an additional 24 SSSIs in The Broads SAC. We are now investigating all water abstraction licences within the Bure, Thurne, Yare, Waveney, Tud and part of the Wensum catchments. We have contacted all licence holders to tell them about our project and to explain that their licence might need to be changed to protect the additional 24 SSSIs.

A map showing our project consultation area and location of SSSIs with The Broads SAC.

What will the licence changes be?

We cannot confirm exactly which licences will need to be changed or what those changes might look like until we have completed our modelling assessments of current water abstraction activity, and any potential increases in abstraction that existing licences might allow in the future.

Our assessment will focus primarily on the effects of existing abstraction licences, both permanent and those with a time limit or expiry date. The outcome of this assessment will determine whether we need to use our statutory powers to curtail existing levels of abstraction to avoid deterioration of natural habitats within the SAC.

From April 2026, we will inform the licence holders whose current abstraction licence has been highlighted as being unsustainable. We will let them know if their licence is to be changed and we will discuss next steps, the timescales for changes and potential mitigation measures.

In line with our previous Ant Valley investigation, examples of the licence changes which could be required include:

  • reducing the daily or annual abstraction quantity

  • adding or increasing a ‘hands-off flow’ or ‘hands-off level’ restriction to your licence

  • adding a fish screen to your licence

  • revoking (cancelling) a licence

Where can I find out more?

There is more 'Information for licence holders' and other resources available on the right hand bar.

This Engagement HQ page will be regularly updated with project news and documents.


  • Newsletter September 2026

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    The Broads SAC Sustainable Abstraction Plan

    We are undertaking a review of water abstraction licences across The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in East Anglia to achieve sustainable abstraction and to protect The Broads SAC.

    Keeping you informed – September 2026 Newsletter

    We continue to provide project updates on a quarterly basis. Future newsletter content will be shared through the ‘News feed’ section of this Engagement platform, making it easier to access the latest project information alongside other news and updates.

    Modelling update

    We continue to refine the model so that it best represents the environmental scenarios and

    The Broads SAC Sustainable Abstraction Plan

    We are undertaking a review of water abstraction licences across The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in East Anglia to achieve sustainable abstraction and to protect The Broads SAC.

    Keeping you informed – September 2026 Newsletter

    We continue to provide project updates on a quarterly basis. Future newsletter content will be shared through the ‘News feed’ section of this Engagement platform, making it easier to access the latest project information alongside other news and updates.

    Modelling update

    We continue to refine the model so that it best represents the environmental scenarios and we are carrying out a series of iterative scenarios which will test how changing licence quantities might help achieve the environmental targets set by Natural England.

    Scenarios include, but are not limited to:

    • Reducing or removing abstraction quantities on those groundwater licences identified as most likely to require changes.
    • Applying a consistent reduction in authorised quantities across a larger number of groundwater licences.
    • Reducing authorised quantities across a wider range of groundwater licences in line with each licence's contribution to the environmental impact.

    These model runs will help us evaluate the least onerous licence change scenario to take forward for The Broads SAC. We will continue to communicate our understanding and development of scenarios to all licence holders affected by this work and will continue to engage with Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming (NEFF) and other abstractor groups. From April 2027, we will decide upon a final scenario for The Broads SAC that will achieve compliance towards the environmental targets.

    Licence Applications

    As mentioned in our June newsletter, we have been able to start determining licence applications where we can confirm there is no risk of adverse effect on The Broads SAC. We are working with the National Permitting Service to progress these as soon as possible as well as continuing to progress new high flow surface water applications.

    Following the extension of the project timeline earlier this year, we will contact all applicants to agree revised determination dates.

    Continued conversations with Norfolk Environment Food and Farming (NEFF)

    We continue to meet with NEFF regularly, working with them and taking their views and feedback into consideration as the project develops. We understand that NEFF brings together perspectives from its membership, and we encourage an ongoing two-way flow of information so that our updates are shared with members and their views continue to inform our discussions.

    Forward look

    The modelling will improve our understanding of those groundwater licence holders who might be impacted and we will keep all licence holders and interested stakeholders informed through written updates or, where necessary, one-to-one conversations. Please contact us if you would like to specifically discuss the project or your existing licence/application.

    We are planning engagement with surface water abstraction licence holders in March 2027, supporting a more joined-up and consistent approach across the catchment.

    As soon as we are aware that there are licences no longer under investigation, we will contact licence holders to confirm no licence changes are required under the scope of The Broads Plan.

    We will keep our Engagement platform updated with project developments and welcome suggestions for future content.

    When will we receive further updates? 

    Our next newsletter will be uploaded to our Engagement platform under the ‘News feed’ section in December 2026. If you have subscribed to our newsletter notification list, we will continue to send you an email to announce this publication. If you would like to subscribe to a notification, please email us.

    How can I contact the Environment Agency? 

    Please direct any enquiries relating to the Environment Agency’s work in the Ant Valley or The Broads SAC, to the Sustainable Abstraction Project Team inbox, by emailing SustainableAbstractionProjects@environment-agency.gov.uk

  • Update meeting with Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming – September 2026

    On 10 September, the Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team met representatives from Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming (NEFF), including Steve Moncaster, Anthony Seaman and Chris Deane. The meeting covered the Broads Plan, water resources planning and current modelling work.

    NEFF updated us on its sub-regional modelling for the Upton Broad studies. The next phase will explore a range of abstraction management scenarios and their environmental impacts. The Upton Broad model and NEFF’s wider modelling work will be discussed further with Natural England and at a modelling meeting this autumn.

    The group also discussed emerging water resource proposals, including potential

    On 10 September, the Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team met representatives from Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming (NEFF), including Steve Moncaster, Anthony Seaman and Chris Deane. The meeting covered the Broads Plan, water resources planning and current modelling work.

    NEFF updated us on its sub-regional modelling for the Upton Broad studies. The next phase will explore a range of abstraction management scenarios and their environmental impacts. The Upton Broad model and NEFF’s wider modelling work will be discussed further with Natural England and at a modelling meeting this autumn.

    The group also discussed emerging water resource proposals, including potential reservoir and abstraction projects across the Broads, including those helped develop through Local Resource Options (LRO) screening studies through the EA. Several schemes remain at an early stage, and applicants continue to engage with NEFF and the Environment Agency. We outlined the National Permitting Service’s pre-application and application processes and encouraged applicants to submit proposals when they are ready.

    We talked through our progress on flow-based conditions within the Bure catchment, discussing how future licence conditions could be implemented in a way that protects the environment while providing clarity for abstractors. Further information on this approach will be shared in the coming months.

    We discussed our modelling progress, timeline of future modelling scenarios and how this fits in with overall project timescales. Revised modelling results are currently expected to be available by mid-November 2026. The wider programme will then continue through assessment and option appraisal stages before any decisions are made regarding abstraction licences from April 2027.

    Importantly, no changes to permanent licences would come into effect before October 2029. The programme will continue to engage with licence holders and stakeholders throughout the process to ensure that those potentially affected understand the evidence, timescales and opportunities for input.

    We are working towards the planned meetings with NEFF and look forward to continued discussions as the project moves forward.

  • Licence application determination progress

    We are pleased to confirm that progress is now being made on some water resources licence applications within the Broads Plan area. We now have sufficient evidence to confirm that some applications pose no risk of adverse effect on The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This means that, working alongside our colleagues in the National Permitting Service (NPS), we can start processing these applications and moving them through the determination process.

    Applications identified through our assessment as having no likely impact on the Broads SAC will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants do not need to take

    We are pleased to confirm that progress is now being made on some water resources licence applications within the Broads Plan area. We now have sufficient evidence to confirm that some applications pose no risk of adverse effect on The Broads Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This means that, working alongside our colleagues in the National Permitting Service (NPS), we can start processing these applications and moving them through the determination process.

    Applications identified through our assessment as having no likely impact on the Broads SAC will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants do not need to take any action at this stage. The Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team or the NPS will contact applicants directly when their application has been picked up for determination.

    Being able to progress some applications is an important milestone for the project. We appreciate the patience applicants have shown while this important evidence-gathering work has been completed.

    Application determination extensions

    As a result of the revised project timescales, determination extension dates on some applications will need to be extended.

    We will be writing to affected applicants over the coming months to explain the extension details. Where a Limited Extension of Validity (LEV) is already in place, this will continue and allow abstraction to continue while the application remains under consideration.

    We remain committed to keeping everyone informed as the project progresses and will continue to provide updates through this website and direct communications.

  • Update meeting with Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming

    On 20 July, members of the Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team met with Steve Moncaster from Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming (NEFF) as part of our regular catch-up meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity to share project updates and build a shared understanding of the work being undertaken by each organisation.

    During the meeting, we reminded NEFF of the revised project timetable, including the extension of the options identification and appraisal stage until April 2027, with any licence changes becoming effective in October 2029.

    We discussed the latest work on options identification; this included an update on

    On 20 July, members of the Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team met with Steve Moncaster from Norfolk Environment, Food and Farming (NEFF) as part of our regular catch-up meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity to share project updates and build a shared understanding of the work being undertaken by each organisation.

    During the meeting, we reminded NEFF of the revised project timetable, including the extension of the options identification and appraisal stage until April 2027, with any licence changes becoming effective in October 2029.

    We discussed the latest work on options identification; this included an update on the new Batched Abstraction Modelling (BAM) tool. BAM helps us assess how individual abstraction licences and points, and groups of licences together, may affect groundwater conditions at site-specific locations. The new BAM focuses on changes in groundwater flux which is more compatible with the key assessment criteria at site level.

    We outlined a range of planed model scenarios, including targeted reductions for licences identified as having the greatest impacts, broader reductions across a wider group of licences and combinations of different approaches. These scenarios will help us ascertain the most appropriate licence change solution to achieve the environmental objectives.

    NEFF shared updates on their ongoing engagement with licence holders, including early discussions around potential abstraction proposals. We discussed how we can continue to provide advice on the application process and the likely constraints, such as hands-off flow conditions, that may be applied to any new winter abstraction licences. NEFF discussed their continued work with Groundwater Science and will discuss our modelling scenarios and feedback. NEFF raised wider water resource pressure concerns, and we agreed to keep these discussions under review.

    We look forward to continuing these discussions as the project moves forward.

  • Geldeston Meadows SSSI site visit

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    The Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team recently carried out a joint site visit to Geldeston Meadows SSSI, part of the Broads Special Area of Conservation, to strengthen our understanding of the site’s hydrology and groundwater interaction. Representatives from Essex & Suffolk Water, Natural England, JBA Consulting, Hydrology UK, and the landowner hosted us for a two‑hour walkover of the wet meadow complex. The visit focused on how water enters, moves through, and drains from the site, including the pathways for surface‑water inundation and the interaction between groundwater and the wetland habitats. Points of interest included the monitoring boreholes shown in the

    The Sustainable Abstraction Projects Team recently carried out a joint site visit to Geldeston Meadows SSSI, part of the Broads Special Area of Conservation, to strengthen our understanding of the site’s hydrology and groundwater interaction. Representatives from Essex & Suffolk Water, Natural England, JBA Consulting, Hydrology UK, and the landowner hosted us for a two‑hour walkover of the wet meadow complex. The visit focused on how water enters, moves through, and drains from the site, including the pathways for surface‑water inundation and the interaction between groundwater and the wetland habitats. Points of interest included the monitoring boreholes shown in the adjacent photo, as well as stop‑logs, sluices, and other structures influencing water retention and flow.

    The team also walked the adjacent River Waveney to consider how river levels and channel features may affect surface‑water dynamics within the SSSI. The visit concluded with a follow‑up meeting at Essex & Suffolk Water’s Lound Water Treatment Works, where initial observations were discussed and next steps agreed. This collaborative fieldwork forms an important part of our ongoing work to understand hydrological pressures on designated sites and to support sustainable abstraction management across the Broads.


  • Smart Farm visit

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    On Friday 5 June the Sustainable Abstraction Project Team met with board members of Norfolk Environment Food and Farming (NEFF).

    The aim of the day was for NEFF to share project findings, next steps, and to start a conversation about how smart farming might fit in with abstraction licensing in the future.

    The day began with a session led by Managing Director Steve Moncaster, who gave an overview of the Upton Broad Smart Farm project (Cedar Farm). This project is collecting monitoring data and assessing the hydro-ecological sensitivities of the local environment, to help with water efficiency and resilience for Cedar Farm going forward.

    The afternoon session was led by Nick Crane, who invited us to visit Cedar Farm. We visited its reservoir, and its weather monitoring stations, followed by a stop at Upton Broad and its recent installation of water level monitoring equipment.

    It was a productive day, and our team enjoyed learning more about the smart farm. Thank you to everyone involved for their invitation and efforts.

    On Friday 5 June the Sustainable Abstraction Project Team met with board members of Norfolk Environment Food and Farming (NEFF).

    The aim of the day was for NEFF to share project findings, next steps, and to start a conversation about how smart farming might fit in with abstraction licensing in the future.

    The day began with a session led by Managing Director Steve Moncaster, who gave an overview of the Upton Broad Smart Farm project (Cedar Farm). This project is collecting monitoring data and assessing the hydro-ecological sensitivities of the local environment, to help with water efficiency and resilience for Cedar Farm going forward.

    The afternoon session was led by Nick Crane, who invited us to visit Cedar Farm. We visited its reservoir, and its weather monitoring stations, followed by a stop at Upton Broad and its recent installation of water level monitoring equipment.

    It was a productive day, and our team enjoyed learning more about the smart farm. Thank you to everyone involved for their invitation and efforts.

  • Modelling investigations

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    Our initial meetings with groundwater licence holders have now taken place, which has given those licence holders more insight into the reasoning behind potential changes, and the implications of those changes.

    We continue to use the NEAC groundwater model to test options for changing licences, with the aim of finding an option that reduces abstraction enough to ensure the hydrological objectives of all Broads sites are met.

    We are now at the stage of assessing how our project might impact surface water licences, using the model results to inform this. We aim to begin conversations with the holders of surface water licences in April 2026.

    Our initial meetings with groundwater licence holders have now taken place, which has given those licence holders more insight into the reasoning behind potential changes, and the implications of those changes.

    We continue to use the NEAC groundwater model to test options for changing licences, with the aim of finding an option that reduces abstraction enough to ensure the hydrological objectives of all Broads sites are met.

    We are now at the stage of assessing how our project might impact surface water licences, using the model results to inform this. We aim to begin conversations with the holders of surface water licences in April 2026.

  • One-to-one discussions

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    We have now begun our one-to-one meetings with groundwater abstraction licence holders who have been notified they are likely to be impacted by upcoming changes required under The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    These meetings build on the information discussed in the groundwater licence holder meetings held on 1st August and are the start of ongoing one-to-one engagement with licence holders impacted by The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss aspects of the plan in further detail, such as the plan stages and timeline, the modelling methodology and hydrological processes.

    The meetings are tailored to each licence holder and their relevant licence(s), and we can provide information that the groundwater model has given regarding potential impact of their abstraction on the Broads sites. As we are at the early stage of the investigation, whilst we will advise on the modelling outputs against a licence we are unable to confirm for certain what changes may be required.

    The next stage of the plan will involve continued engagement with licence holders over the coming months to explore abstraction licence scenarios which will achieve the required hydrological objectives.

    We have now begun our one-to-one meetings with groundwater abstraction licence holders who have been notified they are likely to be impacted by upcoming changes required under The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    These meetings build on the information discussed in the groundwater licence holder meetings held on 1st August and are the start of ongoing one-to-one engagement with licence holders impacted by The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss aspects of the plan in further detail, such as the plan stages and timeline, the modelling methodology and hydrological processes.

    The meetings are tailored to each licence holder and their relevant licence(s), and we can provide information that the groundwater model has given regarding potential impact of their abstraction on the Broads sites. As we are at the early stage of the investigation, whilst we will advise on the modelling outputs against a licence we are unable to confirm for certain what changes may be required.

    The next stage of the plan will involve continued engagement with licence holders over the coming months to explore abstraction licence scenarios which will achieve the required hydrological objectives.

  • August Licence Holder Meeting

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    On 1 August 2025, we hosted an informative Sustainable Abstraction licence holder event at Norwich City Football Club.

    The event brought together groundwater licence holders who have been notified they are likely to be impacted by upcoming changes required under The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    Licence holders heard from the Environment Agency, Natural England and Norfolk Environment, Farming and Food who delivered insightful presentations, sparking thoughtful conversations and providing valuable updates around the development of The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    It was a great opportunity for licence holders to connect with specialists to discuss the future of water management and the environment in The Broads, to ask questions, and to better understand how and when changes could impact them.

    This was just the beginning. Over the coming months, the Environment Agency will be having more in-depth, one-to-one conversations with licence holders to ensure everyone is engaged in this process and has the opportunity to discuss their circumstances in detail. We’ll be contacting them soon to arrange these meetings. 

    On 1 August 2025, we hosted an informative Sustainable Abstraction licence holder event at Norwich City Football Club.

    The event brought together groundwater licence holders who have been notified they are likely to be impacted by upcoming changes required under The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    Licence holders heard from the Environment Agency, Natural England and Norfolk Environment, Farming and Food who delivered insightful presentations, sparking thoughtful conversations and providing valuable updates around the development of The Broads Sustainable Abstraction Plan.

    It was a great opportunity for licence holders to connect with specialists to discuss the future of water management and the environment in The Broads, to ask questions, and to better understand how and when changes could impact them.

    This was just the beginning. Over the coming months, the Environment Agency will be having more in-depth, one-to-one conversations with licence holders to ensure everyone is engaged in this process and has the opportunity to discuss their circumstances in detail. We’ll be contacting them soon to arrange these meetings. 

  • January & February 2025 Information Sessions

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    In January 2025 we held two in-person Information Days in Chedgrave and Acle. We were pleased to meet over 60 people with either abstraction licences in the project consultation area, or a keen interest in the project. We discussed the plan, current project timescales, and what it all means for existing licence holders. We also discussed what licence holders can do to prepare, and advised where further support is available. For those unable to attend in person we offered online Information Sessions, which were held in February 2025.

    We are currently modelling the water flows within the Broads SAC

    In January 2025 we held two in-person Information Days in Chedgrave and Acle. We were pleased to meet over 60 people with either abstraction licences in the project consultation area, or a keen interest in the project. We discussed the plan, current project timescales, and what it all means for existing licence holders. We also discussed what licence holders can do to prepare, and advised where further support is available. For those unable to attend in person we offered online Information Sessions, which were held in February 2025.

    We are currently modelling the water flows within the Broads SAC and analysing outputs. This will help us identify which water abstraction licences are unsustainable and will need changing. We will contact licence holders with unsustainable licences in May 2025.


Page last updated: 28 Sep 2026, 10:47 AM