Farmers and landowners across Wales are being reminded that Saturday (November 14) is the final day they can spread slurry and certain other organic manures before the winter restrictions come into force.

Natural Resources Wales says the closed period for spreading manures containing high levels of readily available nitrogen begins on Sunday, November 15.

The deadline follows an exceptional extension to the spreading period this year, introduced after a particularly dry summer.

Continued dry weather into November has helped create suitable conditions for farmers to empty slurry stores ahead of the winter, but NRW is warning that the rules must now be followed.

Slurry and other organic manures are valuable sources of nutrients for agricultural land, helping farmers maintain soil fertility and support crop and grass growth.

However, spreading them at the wrong time of year can increase the risk of nutrients washing off fields and entering rivers, streams and groundwater.

Farmers are being reminded that applying slurry to waterlogged, flooded, frozen or snow-covered land, or when heavy rainfall is forecast, can result in pollution and breaches of environmental regulations.

Natural Resources Wales says it will investigate reports of pollution and instances where the rules are not being followed. Enforcement action may be taken where there is sufficient evidence.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to report any suspected agricultural pollution immediately.

Incidents can be reported through the Natural Resources Wales website or by calling its 24-hour incident communications centre on 0300 065 3000.

The restrictions are intended to protect water quality during the winter months, when rainfall and ground conditions can make it harder for soil to absorb nutrients safely.