Launched on July 5th 2017, the Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme, managed to generate positive momentum between academics and other experts from the iCASP partner organisations and their networks.
This buzz was important as the launch was as much about creating a new stakeholder forum, the Yorkshire Catchment Solutions Forum, as stimulating initial project ideas to flesh out at a series of Autumn meetings and workshops.There was a huge range of external stakeholders attending the launch. Representatives from Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, City of York, Leeds City and Bradford Metropolitan Borough Councils, various catchment partnerships, drainage boards, charities, such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and many more threw themselves whole-heartedly into round-table activities.
The diversity of perspectives informing discussions created a palpable buzz as people shared experiences and ideas about the challenges inherent in integrated approaches to catchment management.
Many suggestions for iCASP projects were proposed. The need to influence post-Brexit CAP reform, the much anticipated 25 year Environment Plan and blue/green infrastructure schemes garnered a lot of support. There was also plenty of interest in peatland restoration from various angles.
The range and scope of such suggestions were very ambitious so iCASP events this Autumn will build these ideas into feasible project proposals.