Partnering with WWF and Carlsberg to protect rivers and boost nature

Summary: 

An expansion of the work completed during the first phase of the WWF and Carlsberg Partnership in 2023/24, aimed at supporting farms in adopting sustainable practices to reduce river pollution, enhance water-use efficiency and protect nature. Encouraging collaboration between businesses, farmers, and other organisations. 

Project description: 

Norfolk is a vital region for food production in the UK, playing a key role in growing crops such as wheat, barley and sugar beet. However, the county’s agricultural prominence also presents significant challenges to its local rivers, which tend to be bordered by farmland and can be heavily impacted by pollution from farming activities.

Compounding these challenges, Norfolk faces mounting water availability pressures due to unsustainable water use and the effects of climate change. 

Through this partnership, we collaborate closely with local farms to create tailored on-farm solutions, aiming to reduce pollution and improve water usage. 

Find out more about the WWF and Carlsberg Partnership. 

Project actions and goals: 

• Develop and build on existing relationships formed with farmers and the agricultural industry. 
• Arrange specialist visits to provide specific and localised advice for farm groups. 
• Collaborate with businesses, farmers and other organisations via catchment partnerships to integrate work.
• Implement on-farm land use improvement measures and water interventions that enhance soil health, slow the flow of surface water to boost aquifer recharge and improve water quality. 
• Provide farmers with access to new technology and innovative machinery that supports water sensitive farming practices. 
• Monitor and evaluate mitigation work that has been implemented during the project. 
• Organise and host knowledge-exchange events for farmers and visits for businesses. 
• Work in partnership with local flora groups and experts to conduct baseline studies and mapping of potential sites.

Partners and funders: 

This project is funded by the WWF and Carlsberg Partnership, with on-ground delivery through our Water Sensitive Farming initiative. This initiative enables us to provide free, trusted and confidential farm advice to support the restoration of freshwater environments and nature while improving business and landscape resilience.

If your farm or business would like to find out more and get involved, please contact info@norfolkriverstrust.org