That this House recognises the crucial role of nature-rich spaces alongside waterways in providing habitat and connections for wildlife and space for water and in providing a buffer to reduce agricultural pollution reaching rivers; notes with concern reductions in this fringing habitat over recent decades and consequent changes to the natural form and function of rivers; acknowledges that the Independent Water Commission recommended action to reduce agricultural pollution in rivers; and urges the Government to act on this recommendation by adopting a Wilder River Bank target, supported by funding allocations, to increase the amount of nature-rich land around water systems to reduce agricultural pollution, boost nature recovery, create new income opportunities for farmers, protect communities against flooding and increase public access to nature.
