Water & Wetland Work
Farm Water Audits
12 individual farm water audits across landholdings within the Upper Onny Farmers Group, helping to inform future water management decisions at both farm and catchment scale. Each audit identified practical opportunities for improving water quality, mitigating water resource pressures, protecting and restoring watercourses, and enhancing wetland and riparian habitats. Recommendations were practical and tailored to individual businesses, resulting in living documents that guide long-term sustainable land management.
Restoration of Wildlife Pond - Rob & Sarah
Funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, this project improved water quality, biodiversity and educational access. Works included silt removal, re-grading pond banks, fencing to prevent livestock damage, installation of troughs and pipework, improved access via steps and footbridge, and a sheltered learning area. A borehole feasibility study explored future water supply options.
Watercourse Protection & Wetland Creation - Ben Cooke
Restoration work along the Darnford and Bilbatch Brooks protected riverbanks, restored wetlands, improved water quality and reduced flood risk. Fencing protected sensitive areas, wetland habitats were enhanced, and solar-powered water systems enabled rotational grazing across 50 hectares. Public access improvements and interpretation signage were also installed.
Sustainable Water Supply - Chris Evans
Installation of a solar-powered pump system, pipework and mobile trough infrastructure created a reliable water supply for grazing land previously lacking access. This supported more flexible livestock management and allowed cattle grazing to be introduced.