Project Background
The Upstream Thinking Programme (UST) is a catchment-scale scheme, launched in 2010 by South West Water, funding work that improves water quality and supply. UST4 is the latest stage (2025-2030) of the programme delivering across the south west, from Cornwall to Avon via collaboration between South West Water and a range of Delivery Partners including BART River Services Ltd. The project aims to prevent potential sources of pollution from entering watercourse, thus reducing the level of treatment, chemicals and energy required, to deliver clean and safe drinking water.
Project Overview
Farm advisors from BART River Services Ltd are looking to work with landowners, providing free advice on a range of topics including nutrient and slurry management, soil health and management, water friendly farming practices and nature enhancements.
Grants are available to fund work that reduces diffuse pollution entering the surface water and / or ground water safeguard drinking zones of the following four catchments:
- Chew Valley Reservoir
- Blagdon Reservoir
- Egford
- Forum Spring
The type of work that can be delivered will be farm-specific but could involve work such as
- Fencing of riparian areas and installation of water troughs
- Creation of ponds/scrapes
- Tree planting such as hedges & riparian buffer areas (with associated benefits for livestock such as shade and shelter)
If your land is within the highlighted project area on the map below and you would like to find out more, please complete this form, Upstream Thinking Project, or contact sarah@bristolavonriverstrust.org / 07942285094 and you will be contacted by a BART Farm Advisor.
BART River Services Ltd is excited to be able to continue 12 years of previous collaborative projects with farmers and landowners in these areas and we look forward to hearing from you.
