Published: 14/01/2026 By Phoebe Wreford-Glanvill
Phoebe Wreford-Glanvill, Agricultural Consultant at Symonds & Sampson, reminds farmers and landowners within the Poole Harbour catchment that the deadline for submitting their Nitrate Leaching Tool (NLT) and Agricultural Compliance Tool (ACT) returns is Friday 27 February.All farmers within the catchment have a responsibility to remain regulatory compliant and to reduce nitrate leaching to levels that do not pose a risk of agricultural diffuse pollution or cause harm to the aquatic environment. To achieve this, nitrate leaching must be reduced to ≤18.1 kg/ha, alongside meeting wider regulatory requirements.
For members of the Poole Harbour Nutrient Management Scheme (PHNMS), implemented by the Poole Harbour Agricultural Group (PHAG), farms are required to meet the current glidepath target of ≤23.4 kg/ha/N for this NLT return, with the final target of ≤18.1 kg/ha by 2030.
Farmers who join the PHNMS can also take part in the nitrogen credit trading scheme, which is facilitated by PHAG. Farms that are in credit can generate an income by trading surplus nitrogen reductions. It is important that farmers communicate their intention to participate in nitrogen credit trading when joining the scheme, to ensure they are included in the trading process.
It is important to note that this year is no longer a “baseline year”. The Environment Agency (EA) will be actively monitoring farm submissions, assessing nitrate leaching levels, and evaluating wider diffuse pollution risks. If NLTs/ACTs are not submitted voluntarily, either directly to the EA or via PHNMS membership, farms are more likely to be prioritised for a compliance visit. Where necessary, the EA may also issue a legally binding notice requiring submission.
If you require any assistance with completing or submitting your NLT or ACT, or would like to discuss joining the PHNMS and the nitrogen credit trading scheme, please don’t hesitate to contact Phoebe on 01305 236237.
Rural Grants
Rural Professional Services