Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: applications made to abstract water
Published 1 April 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/royal-society-for-the-protection-of-birds-npswr038776-npswr038778-and-npswr038779-applications-made-to-abstract-water/royal-society-for-the-protection-of-birds-applications-made-to-abstract-water
Details of the applications
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has applied to the Environment Agency for three licences.
The Environment Agency is giving notice of these applications in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.
NPS/WR/038776: The application is for a licence to abstract water from Delph Stream, Minnis Farm, Worth Marshes, Kent, to transfer it to a wetland at National Grid References (NGRs): TR 34558 56265 and TR 35078 55618 without intervening use, as follows:
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130 cubic metres an hour
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910 cubic metres a day
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48,403 cubic metres a year
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between 1 November and 31 July inclusive in each year.
NPS/WR/038778: The application is for a licence to abstract water from North Stream, Blue Pigeons Farm, Worth Marshes, Kent, to transfer it to a wetland at National Grid Reference: TR 35169 55969 without intervening use as follows:
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130 cubic metres an hour
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910 cubic metres a day
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21,056 cubic metres a year
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between 1 November and 31 July inclusive in each year.
NPS/WR/038779: The application is for a licence to abstract water from Sandhill Sewer, Willow Farm, Worth Marshes, Kent, to transfer it to a wetland at NGRs: TR 36187 55971, TR 36090 56087, TR 35775 56148, TR 35701 56038, TR 35557 56027 and TR 35723 56050 without intervening use as follows:
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120 cubic metres an hour
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840 cubic metres a day
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33,543 cubic metres a year
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between 1 November and 30 June inclusive in each year.
Water will be abstracted to manage each wetland for the benefit of wildlife. Abstracted water will evaporate over time, with discharges of water from the wetlands only if necessary, such as in wet conditions.
How to view the applications
Please contact us via e-mail or use the number below to arrange to see the application documents.
How to comment on the applications
Send any representation about these applications in writing, quoting the name of the applicant and reference numbers NPS/WR/038776, NPS/WR/038778 and NPS/WR/038779 to the Environment Agency at the Permitting and Support Centre, Water Resources Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield S9 4WF or by email to: PSC-WaterResources@environment-agency.gov.uk
By 29 April 2026.
For advice about how to make a representation call 03708 506 506.