As winter approaches, UK farmers face increased risks of waterlogging, soil erosion, and nutrient runoff. Partnering with catchment teams can help manage these risks, improve farm resilience, and protect local watercourses. Catchment teams provide expertise, funding opportunities, and practical guidance to help farmers implement measures that safeguard both productivity and the environment.

Catchment teams are groups of local experts, often supported by water companies, environmental agencies, or agricultural bodies, who work with farmers to:

• Identify high-risk areas for runoff, sediment, or nutrient loss.
• Develop tailored farm management plans.
• Provide technical advice and guidance on sustainable practices.
• Help access funding or support for mitigation measures.

By collaborating, farmers can make informed decisions to protect soil, water, and crops during winter.

Priority catchments are identified by water companies and the Environment Agency as areas where action can have the biggest impact on reducing nutrient runoff, sediment loss, and pesticide pollution. Targeted support in these areas helps safeguard rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater supplies while promoting more resilient farm businesses.

1. Conduct a Farm Assessment

• Catchment teams can help map risk areas for waterlogging, erosion, or runoff.
• Identify gateways, tracks, slopes, and watercourses that may need winter protection.

2. Develop a Winter Management Plan

• Plan cover crops, buffer strips, and drainage improvements.
• Schedule machinery movements and livestock grazing to minimise soil damage.
• Include actions to protect gateways and tracks during wet periods.

3. Access Practical Guidance

• Catchment teams can provide on-farm advice for implementing measures like:
• Winter cover crops and soil protection strategies.
• Gateway and track reinforcement.
• Buffer strip and riparian margin establishment.
• Drainage improvements.

4. Utilise Funding and Incentives

• Many catchment programmes offer grants or cost-sharing schemes for soil and water protection.
• Support may cover materials, contractor work, or expert advice.

5. Monitor and Evaluate Impact

• Work with teams to measure improvements in soil structure, water quality, and erosion reduction.
• Collecting data helps refine practices and demonstrates environmental compliance.

Yorkshire Water runs a range of catchment management initiatives that work directly with farmers across the region. Through its Catchment Care and Sustainable Landscapes programmes, Yorkshire Water supports:

• Grant funding for infrastructure such as fencing, cover crops, and track improvements.

• Advisory support on nutrient management, soil testing, and water protection measures.

• Collaboration with local groups like Future Food Solutions to co-design on-farm solutions that benefit both water quality and profitability.

The focus is on practical, on-the-ground changes – like improving soil structure and reducing runoff—that make a measurable difference to water resilience and farm sustainability.

Anglian Water’s Catchment Management Programme also plays a key role in supporting farmers to protect water resources across Eastern England. Through its Catchment Delivery Officers and partnerships with agricultural organisations, the company offers:

• Funding and advice for measures that reduce nitrate and pesticide loss.

• Tailored guidance on soil and nutrient management plans.

• Collaborative trials exploring nature-based solutions, such as buffer strips, cover cropping, and precision application of inputs.

Anglian Water’s proactive approach aims to achieve cleaner raw water through prevention—supporting farm businesses to adopt solutions that reduce pollution risk at the source rather than relying on costly end-of-pipe treatments.

1. Contact your local catchment team early to discuss winter priorities.
2. Map high-risk areas on your farm with expert guidance.
3. Plan winter actions, such as cover crops, buffer strips, and track improvements.
4. Explore funding opportunities for soil and water protection measures.
5. Implement monitoring to track the effectiveness of your actions.

Partnering with catchment teams is a practical way for farmers to prepare for winter, protect soil, and reduce water quality risks. By assessing risk areas, planning winter management, accessing guidance and funding, and monitoring outcomes, farmers can safeguard productivity and contribute to healthy catchments.

Collaborating with experts not only strengthens farm resilience during wet conditions but also demonstrates commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

Q1: Who can I contact to join a catchment programme?
A: Water companies, environmental agencies, and local farming groups often manage catchment programmes. Your local NFU office or Soil Association may provide guidance.

Q2: Is it expensive to work with catchment teams?
A: Most advisory services are free, and many programmes offer grants or cost-sharing to support implementation.

Q3: What kind of support can catchment teams provide?
A: Advice on soil and water management, practical on-farm guidance, planning, and access to funding schemes.

Q4: Can catchment teams help with livestock management in wet weather?
A: Yes. They can advise on rotational grazing, track reinforcement, and fencing to protect soil and watercourses.

Q5: How soon should I engage with a catchment team?
A: As early as possible, ideally before autumn or winter, to plan actions before the wet season begins.

• Yorkshire Water Catchment Management
• Anglian Water Catchment Services