Need persistence: Norfolk couple took on environmental regulators three times to protect a rare wetland

A third legal victory

The judge criticised Natural England’s inaction after the couple reported pollution in 2021. The court said the source of the pollution should have been apparent through “the most basic level of common sense” and required action by the conservation watchdog.

Tim Harris called the decision a landmark, arguing that regulators cannot simply do nothing. He fears regulatory inertia is allowing pollution to continue in waterways beyond Norfolk.

Protecting Catfield Fen

The couple bought their farm, which includes a large part of Catfield Fen, in 1994. They changed arable fields to pasture to reduce soil and pollution washing into the wetland, and keep English white park cattle, sheep and rare-breed Eriskay ponies.

Geli Harris describes the fen as a place of wildness and mystery. Its rare plants, invertebrates and birds depend on careful rotational cutting, and the couple rely on advice from Natural England’s experts.

The couple say they have a good relationship with staff at Natural England despite suing the agency. Tim Harris said they respect its people but wish more had the drive to act.

Earlier battles over water

In 2016, the Harrises won a public inquiry that found excessive groundwater extraction by water companies and local farmers was drying out Catfield Fen. In 2022, they secured limits on water abstraction near other nature-rich sites in the Broads, forcing the Environment Agency to act.

Since the 2022 victory, they have seen water levels and biodiversity improve in the fen’s dykes. Geli Harris says the site is acting as a refuge until nature can spread outwards again.

The couple remain worried. Tim Harris said experts surveying the fen found insect numbers were declining over the summer, and that they were not complacent.

Concerns beyond the fen

Tim Harris says regulators need to devote resources to monitoring and enforcing environmental rules. He fears that many breaches go undetected because those resources are lacking. He believes the Broads Authority, which is responsible for the national park, should lead efforts to stop pollution. The couple are considering another legal challenge over pollution in the Broads. Asked whether their example could encourage others to act for nature and clean water, Tim Harris said people need “enormous persistence.”