YOU'VE heard of speed awareness courses for drivers who go too fast - now farmers may face a similar punishment should they be found responsible for water pollution and surface run-off.

The Environment Agency has launched the first of a number of planned soil awareness courses in Herefordshire which follow a similar pattern to the motorist courses, only farmers and land managers will be taking part.

Farmers may also be referred to attend the course where breaches of soil protection standards are identified, which could also mean a reduction in the basic farm payment.

Depending on the severity of the issue the farmer or land manager will be offered the option of attending the course instead of immediate enforcement action by the Environment Agency.

In Herefordshire, the agency says there are significant issues with soil erosion from agriculture which is impacting on the quality of the water in the River Wye and Lugg, which is also a special area of conservation.

About 50 per cent of the phosphate comes from agriculture soil run off and by reducing this it would make a significant improvement to the water quality in the area, the agency added.

Andrew Osbaldiston, the Environment Agency's catchment coordinator, said: "These courses are being trialled as a new approach to the way we carry out our regulatory activities.

"Whilst we are working with key partners to help inform land managers on their responsibilities to prevent soil erosion, we also need to regulate where there are significant non-compliance issues associated with soil loss to our watercourses. "We are hopeful that the introduction of these courses, combined with other collaborative working will help deliver the necessary environmental and economic improvements within the Wye catchment."

During the awareness course, farmers and land managers will be made aware of the consequence of soil from farmland ending up in the river system, and the subsequent impact on the environment and the potential cost to the farmer.

A site improvement plan with an agreed timescale is also created with the farmer to look at how to resolve their specific issue.

The agency says feedback from its first course has been "really positive".

Any members of the public who witness large amounts of soil washing off fields into nearby watercourses, or other pollution events, can contact the Environment Agency in confidence on 0800 807060.