Protecting Water – Practical Actions for Farmers

The draft agenda begins with a welcome, followed by an introduction to the importance of taking action for water. This is supported by a series of practical case studies, including hedgerows, buffer strips, 3D buffer strips, preventing livestock access to watercourses, and the use of leaky woody dams. After a short break, the session moves into advice and permissions, outlining the role of the Environment Agency and presenting research on leaky woody dams to demonstrate their benefits. This will also cover consents for ordinary watercourses and how best to support farmers and landowners through the process. The agenda then shifts to funding opportunities, with contributions from Natural England on available schemes, alongside SES Water funding options, and an introduction to table displays. Following lunch, there will be an introduction to The Big Wood Estate, before concluding with a farm walk led by Kate Bigwood, offering a first-hand look at the work undertaken on the farm, as well as the challenges faced and the benefits achieved.