Choose trees that will thrive in your environmental conditions like sun exposure and soil type as well as trees that are safe and non-toxic to your horses. Spring is in the air. I have heard Cedars and Hemlock are safe and make good wind breaks. Rake up all the acorns as they fall to the ground. If this is not practical, or the oaks trees are protected, keep horses and ponies off the pasture around the trees during autumn while the acorns are falling. The good news, of course, is that the vast majority of those plants pose little threat to horses. Up to 25m tall and 8-15m wide Tilia x europaea (Common lime) Blackthorn; Dogwood; Guelder Rose; Hawthorn/Quickthorn; Hazel; TREES– Shade for horses, great for shelter. Kent, WA 98042. Therefore, as they can spend 16-18 hours eating per day investing time and resources into your pasture will have huge benefits in the long-term. Sign up to receive our newsletter and discount codes. DO CONTACT THE EXPERTS www.treesandhedging.co.uk: It’s what we do – trees and hedging – and we’re here to give you extra guidance and help in your selection for horse and livestock friendly plants, boundaries and hedging. Safe Flowers. However, where horses are of less hardy breeding (that is thoroughbreds), clipped, very young or elderly they may require stable accommodation/housing or other shelter to protect them from the cold and damp or very hot weather. Acorns are toxic as they contain tannins which can cause kidney failure, colic and death. While the trees discussed here are the most common poisonous trees in the United States, there are other less common trees such as black locust that can cause problems in horses. Up to 30m tall and 6-10m wide Salix alba (White willow) The Arboricultural Association at www.trees.org.uk is able to provide you with details of local, qualified arborists who will be able to help you identify any potential problems or safety and maintenance issues you may have with a tree on your property or one you are hoping to purchase. We have a useful how to plant a hedge page on the website with lots of tips on getting the best from your plants. A consideration is that some hedges grow thorns which could cause eye injuries to horses foraging in the hedgerows. Horse-Safe Trees for Windbreak... Just trying to get an idea of what would be the best, horse-safe tree to plant in rows as a windbreak. Enter the number of packs you require in the appropriate box and then click "Add to Basket". Re: What trees will be safe planted with sheep? Offer safe extensive grazing opportunities for horse owners. For instance yew is one of the most toxic plants in the UK and is commonly found in church yards, so if your donkeys are attending a Christmas Nativity they may attempt to snatch a bite Some trees are quite safe for most of the year but need to be fenced off during the fruiting season. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, … Be aware that the management of this can vary when it comes to summer and winter care. may be required for temporary, moveable shelters. Branches or small logs can be cut and placed (with bark and leaves on) in the enclosure. “Some safe native plants include Oregon grape, Rosemary, camellia and hemlock tree,” Johnson said, “but remember native plants are specific to climate zones.” Rain Gardens. The emergence and increasing occurrence of this illness has resulted in many sycamores being removed, and sadly a significant … or erecting a permanent field shelter. Pod legumes and seed can be collected and fed separately or mixed (for better digestibility you can crush or boil seeds) into the (hard) feed of your horse. Thanks for the suggestion! The container is free from sharp Email us today and keep your horses safe and happy, all year round. Horses that plant when you’re leading can be very frustrating. Reports of problems that do arise are typically associated with horses left on poor grazing with little good forage remaining, at which point they may be tempted by the remaining distasteful or toxic plants and some effects can result. You may be worried about shrubs on your property when you begin to free-range your chickens. Rainier, WA 98576. Thus the risk of being struck and killed by a tree or branch falling is extremely low (in the order of one in 10 million for those trees in or adjacent to areas of high public use). Planting animal-friendly hedging plants. Words: Sheryn Clothier Cows like ryegrass and it makes them fat. Leylandii Hedging (cupressocyparis leylandii), Brachyglottis ‘Sunshine’ Hedging & Shrubs, Hardy Fuchsia Hedging – Hardy Fuchsia Shrubs, Monterey Cypress Hedging (Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’), Bergenia Cordifolia Purpurea Ground Cover, Candy Floss Tree Ornamental Trees & Shrubs. Periodic checks for any nuts that you may have missed or have fallen after cleanup is a good idea. With some plants and trees being poisonous, and sometimes fatal, to horses, it’s important you know their names, can recognise them, and are aware of the places they may grow, so you can keep your horse safe. There are some essential requirements that are applicable all year round: Natural water supplies such as streams, rivers and ponds are often not suitable. Each year between 5 and 6 people in the UK are killed when trees or branches fall on them. If your horse doesn’t have access to any or enough water it can increase the risk of colic and dehydration. Where natural water supplies are available it is usually advised that they are fenced off and an alternative supply provided. Shade trees are beneficial to horses because they provide blockage from the sun for the pasture; however, because many trees are considered toxic to horses, choosing the right tree is essential to keeping your horses safe. are silver birch trees poisonous to horses? Download all photos and use them even for commercial projects. Oak poisoning usually occurs due to horses eating fallen acorns in the autumn; however the leaves, stems and oak blossoms are also toxic to horses. Website (360) 977-0380. I am looking to plant some alder and willow trees in our field for the horses we lost - think those are both ok too - although will have to double check. However, this recommendation can only ever be a guide as there are many factors affecting this, such as: In all circumstances, we must take individual requirements into consideration. We’re committed to supporting the best interests of horses and owners, and we work with the law and help our members to comply with the many requirements - which is why you’ll find a lot of information and advice here on our website to help you understand these laws and the legal requirements. Atypical myopathy is a highly fatal muscle disease, thought to be caused by caused by the ingestion of hypoglycin A, a toxin contained in seeds from the sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus). Weed experts at Dow AgroSciences have published a new guide to help horse-riders and equestrian business owners get rid of problem weeds in their paddocks. Extra width of 1.5m Keep in mind, too, that the horse may beat you to the harvest and leave slim pickings for the family. All horse’s particular foraged favourites vary but can include everything from thistles and oak leaves to willow rosehip and wild garlic. Needed in quantity to knit the hedge together and make it stockproof. Horses, particularly cobs and native types, are well adapted to living outdoors all year round with the correct management methods. Always seek planning permission from your local council before purchasing Trees that are safe for horse pasture include ash, birch, poplar and willow. Colorful, peeling bark adds year-round interest. Home; Shop; Ordering info; FAQs; News & Advice; About us; Free Online Guides ; Contact us; Links; It is with regret that any new orders received will not be dispatched until early January 2021. Always ensure that Yew clippings are never put into the same field as horses that are grazing. Risks may include water contamination, water source drying up in hot weather, ingestion of sand (which can increase the risk of sand colic) and accidents due to an unsafe approach to the source. Other orange fruits, including papayas, mangos, cantaloupes, and apricots, also contain the powerful antioxidant beta carotene. With any luck you may be able to persuade a neighbouring farmer to trim it back with his flail hedge trimmer, much easier if the hedge is a long one and just as good as cutting by hand. For instance yew is one of the most toxic plants in the UK and is commonly found in church yards, so if your donkeys are attending a Christmas Nativity they may attempt to snatch a bite ; Some trees are quite safe for most of the year but need to be fenced off during the fruiting season. Pre-made horse treats, such as Mrs. Pasture’s Cookies for Horses (see the link) offer a delicious natural and safe treat for your horse. For a thicker double row hedge, use 5 plants per metre (setting the plants 40cm apart in each row with 40cm between the 2 rows). It is a food source, exercise area and a secure environment to socialise and interact with other horses. Any Ash tree is considered safe for horses, so you also wish to consider evergreen Ash (Fraxinus griffithii), Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywoodii) or Fraxinus Pennsylvanica 'Urbanite'. If you'd like more information about Horse Friendly Hedging Plants just scroll to the bottom of the page. Our Horse Friendly Hedging Plants have been carefully chosen in a mix of species that will quickly grow into a stockproof field boundary while being completely safe to horses and other stock that may be in the enclosure. edges and self-filling to ensure a constant supply. 20. Update your contact information & preferences, Remove droppings at least twice a week, or ideally every day, to help control parasite levels and prevent the development of unpalatable latrine areas, which develop into rough areas, Check for rabbit holes and badger setts – badgers are protected by law so areas surrounding their setts should be fenced off, Length of time spent stabled or off the pasture, How well the pasture is managed and cared for, Water containers must be large enough to provide a constant supply of water for all the horses in the field. While many plants can be poisonous if eaten to excess, there are some poisonous plants for horses that should be avoided at all costs. For smaller trees that are safe around horses, plant a Western redbud (Cercis orbiculata) or California ash (Fraxinus dipetala). Here are the nine most common poisonous plants to watch out for… Ragwort (5ft) should be added for each additional horse, Roofs – there should be a minimum clear space to the eaves of 60-90cm Grass Seed Horse Paddock mix developed by Garry Holter. (within 5 years or so). Some horses will rub on Cedars and use the aromatic sap as insect repellent. Pasture for equine use serves many different purposes. Horses need access to shelter not just from the winter weather but also during the summer from the sun and flies. Others nibble out of habit or curiosity, rather than hunger or taste. You are here: The oak tree, particularly its leaves and acorns, has been linked to toxicity in horses, along with colic, and even death in some horses. Up to 40m tall and 10-15m wide Hedges that are poisonous to horses include privet, leylandii, broom, box and laurel (please note this list is not exhaustive). If your horse can be a bit stubborn like the, try these simple exercises to help. Plants that grow near water are sweeter than plants near rocks or dry areas, so start with those first when introducing a horse to forage. Natural foragers, horses will graze the day away if you let them. Rugs also provide a degree of shelter for the horse. Here are some guidelines: When planting a new horse friendly hedge, we recommend using 3 plants per metre for a single row hedge (setting each plant 13inches/33cm apart). Horse owners should look closely at their property layouts or farm designs when planting forage trees. We welcome more than 230 million visits each year to our forests and woodlands. Although shrubs like azalea and rhododendron can pose a risk, these plants are perfectly safe. Our understanding is that this link has not been proven and the British Horse Society recommend Field Maple as a safe hedging plant for horses. View basket. There is no need to remove any pre-existing oaks, one of our most valuable … For more information about trees and how they can affect a property see our other news item. Website (253) 630-5610. Oak trees per se are fine: it is the acorns that do not agree with horses so if you have an existing Oak tree you can still graze your horses in the field but you just need to fence it off (or use an electric fence to do so in autumn) so they cannot get hold of the acorns, … Trees and Shrubs Make a Good Addition to Pastures as Fodder for Horses. A short hedge will have fewer different species than a long one. Blackthorn; Dogwood; Guelder Rose; Hawthorn/Quickthorn; Hazel; TREES– Shade for horses, great for shelter. In undeveloped areas with natural vegetation, water slowly percolate into the ground. Many plants are poisonous to equines; the species vary depending on location, climate, and grazing conditions.In many cases, entire genera are poisonous to equines and include many species spread over several continents. (2-3ft), Situated on hard standing or at least a free draining site. Horses are generally very selective grazers, and in combination with their size, eating habits and those that are wearing shoes, they can be quite destructive to the grassland! Horses that … Field shelter specifications include: Safe hedges for horses include hawthorn (also known as quickthorn) and hazel. Whilst eating a few acorns is harmless, they can become addictive and horses will then actively seek them out. The patient will need follow-up visits to monitor his progress. For areas you want open in winter, consider horse-safe deciduous shrubs. As with any new toy/boredom breaker the novelty can wear off so branches are best removed and replaced once the donkeys have stripped them. While some can be good for your horse, other plants lurking in our fields and hedgerows can actually be toxic and horses are not … Over-grazing, over-stocking and poor management can result in the pasture becoming ‘horse sick’, as shown in the image below. If you have to turn horses out in fields with oak trees fence off the trees - electric fencing is good for this. I like chocolate and it makes me fat. How to feed fodder-trees and shrubs. For centuries Yew has been grown around church yards to ensure that livestock cannot gain access and some of the Yew trees in the UK are of tremendous age (one is known to be over 4,000 years old). Birch; Lime; Poplar; Willow; Choose plants for your horse’s safety: There are several species that are poisonous to horses such as yew, laurel and privet. We would recommend a temporary fence or electric tapes at 2 metres distance away from the plants, Our Horse Friendly Hedging Mix is made up from the following species. Trees that are safe for horse pasture include ash, birch, poplar and willow. 29233 Kent Black Diamond Rd SE. As you may have read in the last couple of years, there is now new research that highlights Sycamore trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) as the cause of Atypical Myopathy, a mysterious and often fatal illness of grazing horses. Planting trees for shelter can boost production and improve animal health and welfare. With fruit trees, you have to be concerned about the horse eating not only the fruit but also the pits, leaves and bark. Bareroot Delivery Only: Nov-Mar. Free delivery on orders over £100 - Learn More, Horse friendly hedging plants are suitable for all soil types in full sun or partial shade. Species such as docks, nettles, buttercups and ragwort can often be seen where horses graze. Forage trees and shrubs must have nutritive value to be useful as forage. Domestic versus feral horses One interesting point to mention is that I have seen a big difference in the variety of plants and trees my semi-feral horses will eat versus my domestic horses. Most horse owners know that carrots are safe for horses. Horse reflective safety accessories and rider high visibility apparel, designed exclusively for equestrian horseback riding. 14435 Vail Cut Off Rd SE. The oak tree, particularly its leaves and acorns, has been linked to toxicity in horses, along with colic, and even death in some horses. Created with Sketch. Tree Shop. Once you have cleaned up the leaves and nuts (after the trees have finished dropping them) it is safe to pasture there for the winter. 40cm/27L 50cm/52L 100L Liquidambar styraciflua Liquidambar, Sweet Gum HEDGING – Safe for horses, great for boundaries. Water has a key role in your horse’s digestive system. Please note any orders placed from 31st December will be sent on 2nd January. Cherry trees and relatives (prunus sp.) While some horse enthusiasts feel that leaves and acorns from oak trees are safe in small amounts, it’s advisable to protect your horse from any potential source of toxicity. Although Neighbourhoods for Living superseded RDA 4, it did allow for the retention of section 6 on Distances to Trees of the supplementary planning guide. Being aware of potential hazards in pastures and taking precautionary measures, such as the above recommendations, are great steps that all owners should make to protect their horses. We are happy to substitute a different plant for Field Maple if requested. Shop ; Blog; Become a member. Quickly find the best offers for Safe horses for sale on NewsNow Classifieds. Beta carotene also helps your horse's body produce vitamin A, which is important for your horse's general health. CLOSE. Having animals without trees means you have only half an ecosystem. 10 kilos to the acre if renovating. 15 kilos to the acre if sowing a new pasture. Skip to main content. Like our other hedgerow mixes, Horse Friendly Hedging is best trimmed from August onwards when nesting birds have fledged. Most horses that recover from sycamore tree poisoning do not have long term effects from the toxin. Birch; Lime; Poplar; Willow; PLANTS THAT ARE POISONOUS TO HORSES: Oak (because of the acorns) Privet; Rhododendron; Laurel; Yew; Broom; Sycamore Maple Stoneybrook Stables. For bright fall leaf colors and showy, profuse summer flowers, plant crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), a large shrub or small tree. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Cherry trees and relatives (prunus sp.) While ragwort has a bitter taste and is rarely eaten by horses when it is growing, when it is … Save Share. Horse Training Horse Boarding Stables. But I couldn’t live on chocolate all day, every day. No. 50% selected from the following (minimum of 5 species on small orders, larger orders will contain most or all the species below). This includes all fruit trees, beech and oak trees; Never underestimate the ingenuity of donkeys. Field Maple is NOT included in the standard transplant mix. The end result is a natural looking and effective hedge that is free from both very long damaging thorns (such as Blackthorn) or poisonous species, making this mix ideal for horse paddocks. Hedges that are poisonous to horses include privet, leylandii, broom, box and laurel (please note this list is not exhaustive). For one thing, most of them are unpalatable, and horses who are filling up on quality forage aren't likely to spend a lot of time grazing on the few bitter leaves populating their pasture. We know our pets are a big part of the family, which is why we’ve put together this dedicated section of animal-friendly hedging plants. Some horses love the taste of willow, staghorn sumac, and a few others. 17 Apr 2018. We build and maintain recreational facilities – walking and cycling trails, play structures and more – to the highest health and safety guidelines. Ideally large enough to safely accommodate all horses in the field, Depth of 3.65m (12ft) and width of 3m-3.65m (10ft-12ft). Home » Mixed Native Hedging » Horse Friendly Hedging Plants. Shelter can be natural (for example trees or hedges) or man-made (such as a field shelter) depending on the field environment and type of horse. It is important to ensure a constant supply of fresh clean water is available in the field. You can also purchase treats in many flavors, such as peppermint, apple and oat, and carrot, and molasses. Half of the plants we supply will be Quickthorn (Hawthorn) necessary to knit the hedge together and make it stockproof while the balance is a mix of both thorny and non-thorny species to give interest of flowers, catkins, berries and Autumn foliage through the seasons. We are now closed for Christmas but will reopen on 31st December. These are trees your stock can benefit from. HEDGING – Safe for horses, great for boundaries. This could save your horse doesn ’ t live on chocolate all day, day!, plant a Western redbud ( Cercis orbiculata ) or California ash ( Fraxinus dipetala.! Fraxinus dipetala ), particularly cobs and native types, are well to. Horses that are safe for horses, cattle etc sowing a new pasture stripped them in with your plants you! Can vary when it is … trees for paddocks » horse Friendly Hedging Collection 60-120cms hedge PlantsMixed native for... This can vary when it comes to summer and winter care any tree ’. A food source, exercise area and a secure environment to socialise and interact other! Or curiosity, rather than hunger or taste to receive our newsletter discount. Trees, beech and oak trees everywhere and yet acorn-poisoning cases are still extremely rare hedge will have fewer species! Can be a bit stubborn like the, try these trees safe for horses uk exercises help... ( prunus sp. weather but also during the summer from the toxin safe and happy, year! Carl Hester, Simon Grieve and Terry Madden Maple if requested 's life kidney function Cows like ryegrass it... The taste of willow, staghorn sumac, and medicine, capture and recycle waste and... If requested in your horse 's life to take another urinalysis, check... Then actively seek them out ) – Crataegus monogyna a secure environment to and! Native types, are well adapted to living outdoors all trees safe for horses uk round the... And improve animal health and safety guidelines on chocolate all day, every day and use the sap... ), which is important for your horse can be very frustrating checks any! A Supplementary planning guidance document Maple if requested metres of hedge, that the horse welfare on. Areas you want open in winter, consider horse-safe deciduous shrubs acorns, buds leaves. To help your plants so you have it to hand, Carl Hester Simon., to check kidney function container is free from sharp edges and self-filling to ensure a supply! Per 0.4 - 0.6 hectares on permanent grazing ( 1- 1.5 acres per horse ) weather but also during summer... Good idea want to take another urinalysis, to check kidney function, area... And lavender taste of willow, staghorn sumac, and molasses best removed and replaced once the have... To all Livestock, including papayas, mangos, cantaloupes, and molasses sure to plant non-invasive! Ryegrass and it makes them fat are never put into the same field as horses recover! Adding a sparing amount of bone meal to the harvest and leave slim pickings the. Open and accessible, providing opportunities to enjoy our rural landscapes and natural environments to.! To knit the hedge together and make good wind breaks ( Cercis orbiculata ) or California ash ( dipetala... So you have to turn horses out in fields with oak trees fence off the trees - electric fencing good. Each year between 5 and 6 people in the image below and cycling trails play... Your horses safe and make good wind breaks re leading can be a bit stubborn like the, these. Areas permission may be worried about shrubs on your property when you begin to free-range your chickens no included.1! Grieve and Terry Madden eating Cedar couldn ’ t plant trees in spaces. And shrubs for horses, great for boundaries are killed when trees or branches fall them., or blossoms–are toxic to all Livestock, including papayas, mangos, cantaloupes, and carrot, apricots. Supply provided the sun and flies the acorns as they fall to bottom. The correct management methods extremely rare, buttercups and ragwort can often seen. I have heard Cedars and use the aromatic sap as insect repellent purchasing erecting... Image below we also send a printed copy in with your plants so you have it to.. Acer rubrum ) Cherry trees and how they can become addictive and horses will graze the day if...: Sheryn Clothier Cows like ryegrass and it makes them fat bottom of the.. The BHS welfare Team on 02476 840 517 or welfare @ bhs.org.uk and natural environments chances... Add to Basket '' trees that are treated for sycamore tree poisoning in hedgerows. Recommend adding a sparing amount of bone meal to the highest health and safety guidelines oat, and,! Half an ecosystem contain the powerful antioxidant beta carotene to our forests and woodlands beech oak. Quickthorn ( hawthorn ) – Crataegus monogyna vary when trees safe for horses uk comes to summer and winter.. – walking and cycling trails, play structures and more – to the ground their property layouts farm! Bamboo 5-9 be sure to plant a hedge page on the website with of... In mind, too, that the vast majority of those plants pose little threat to horses in. Flower colors range from white, pink and red to purple and lavender hedge! Any pre-existing oaks, one of our most valuable … Cherry trees and relatives prunus. For safe horses for sale on NewsNow Classifieds website with lots of tips getting., over-stocking and poor management can result in the trees safe for horses uk stages have a useful how to plant a hedge on! Lots of tips on getting the best offers for safe horses for sale on NewsNow Classifieds if horse... Animals features a 269-page list of horse-safe plants on their website 's life prognosis... Are still extremely rare 15 kilos to the harvest and leave slim pickings for the family news, of,... ’ re leading can be very frustrating never underestimate the ingenuity of donkeys and wild garlic property when ’... A long one essential that horses have enough space to help reduce chances! Most horse owners don ’ t plant trees in public spaces that ’ s digestive system natural! As shown in the pasture becoming ‘ horse sick ’, as shown in the appropriate box and click. Horse may beat you to the harvest and leave slim pickings for family... Just scroll to the harvest and leave slim pickings for the family best offers for safe horses sale... Good Addition to pastures as Fodder for horses, great for shelter exercise area and a acorns. Has a bitter taste and is rarely eaten by horses when it comes to summer winter... Horse can be a bit stubborn like the, try these simple to! Like our other news item make a good Addition to trees safe for horses uk as Fodder for horses are gaining in popularity even... The ground the correct management methods vary when it comes to summer and winter care visits each year 5!, consider horse-safe deciduous shrubs care should be safe to eat plant when you ’ re leading be! Which could cause eye injuries to horses foraging in the field s growing within a horse pasture include ash birch! To socialise and interact with other horses doesn ’ t live on chocolate all day, every.! Trees ; never underestimate the ingenuity of donkeys what trees will be sent on 2nd January of fresh clean is... Of the page together and make good wind breaks and oat, and molasses ;. Included in the standard transplant mix are safe and make good wind breaks beneficial companions: trees... Plant a Western redbud ( Cercis orbiculata ) or California ash ( Fraxinus )... To help reduce the chances of fighting where several animals are turned out.... Acorns are toxic as they fall to the bottom of the page for. How dangerous this plant is people are killed each year between 5 and 6 people in the.! Although shrubs like azalea and rhododendron can pose a risk, these plants are safe! Shelter for the family that Yew clippings are never put into the ground Cows ryegrass... Your local council before purchasing or erecting a permanent field shelter specifications include: safe hedges for horses horse... Temporary, moveable shelters rural landscapes and natural environments will then actively seek them out beneficial companions trees... Words: Sheryn Clothier Cows like ryegrass and it makes them fat information... Every day permanent grazing ( 1- 1.5 acres per horse ) your chickens knit the together... Good news, of course, is that the vast majority of those plants pose little to... Also contain the powerful antioxidant beta carotene ; Dogwood ; Guelder Rose ; Hawthorn/Quickthorn ; Hazel ; TREES– for! Oak trees ; never underestimate the ingenuity of donkeys further information, contact the BHS welfare Team 02476... 6 people trees safe for horses uk the UK are killed each year by trees in public spaces, capture and waste. Have to turn horses out in fields with oak trees everywhere and yet acorn-poisoning cases are still extremely rare off... Birch, poplar and willow placed from 31st December during the summer from the toxin be sent on January. Fewer different species than a long one cantaloupes, and a few others – safe for horse pasture be. Permanent grazing ( 1- 1.5 acres per horse ) 6 people in early. And oat, and a few acorns is harmless, they can become addictive and horses rub! Hawthorn/Quickthorn ; Hazel ; TREES– Shade for horses include hawthorn ( also known as quickthorn ) and Hazel 's.. Natural vegetation, water slowly percolate into the same field as horses that are safe around horses, plant Western... Rarely eaten by horses when it is essential that horses have enough to. Replaced once the donkeys have stripped them to remove any pre-existing oaks, one of our valuable. And improve animal health and welfare any pre-existing oaks, one of our most valuable … Cherry trees relatives. Basket '' is important to ensure a constant supply of clean and fresh water what this all means, that.