Bassenthwaite's wildlife is sensitive to changes in water quality

The England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative targets areas where changes in farming practice are needed to reduce pollution from agriculture.

These include Bassenthwaite Lake and the River Eden in Cumbria, along with the River Wyre in Lancashire.

Defra has appointed 39 farming officers to draw up action plans and prepare appraisals in the priority areas.

A range of activities starts in autumn, including farm visits, farmer workshops and seminars and farm demonstrations.

Steering groups are also being set up with representatives from the farming sector, environmental bodies and water companies to oversee local delivery.

It is estimated that the cost of removing harmful pesticides and nitrates from drinking water is �7 a year for every water customer.

Environment Minister Ian Pearson said: "Catchment Sensitive Farming is taking a significant step forward with this initiative, as it must, if we are to tackle diffuse water pollution from agriculture."