The water net gain (WNG) project is a catchment scheme where farmers are paid to store water on their land in ponds which can act as ‘water batteries’.

We are pleased to announce we have small grants of up to £5,500 available to help with capital works on farms in the Upper Weaver Catchment to reduce water pollution. This project is funded through the Local Water Environment Grant by the Environment Agency.

We can fund capital works including: concrete, guttering, fencing, and sward lifting and signpost you to further advice and funding.

Please note all small grants available for Upper Weaver farms have now been awarded.

We are pleased to announce we have small grants of up to £5,500 available to help with capital works on farms in the Bollin Catchment to reduce water pollution. This project is funded through the Local Water Environment Grant by the Environment Agency.

We can fund capital works including: concrete, guttering, fencing, and sward lifting and signpost you to further advice and funding.

Please note all small grants available for Bollin farms have now been awarded.

Since 2024, through the Better Rivers Better North West Project funded by United Utilities, we have worked to build stronger connections with the farming community. This has included convening Catchment Partnership Farming Groups in Weaver-Gowy and Alt-Crossens, delivering a monthly newsletter, attending local agricultural shows, and holding engagement events. Through these activities, we have engaged with more than 175 farmers across the Mersey Basin.

In 2025, we aim to build on this progress by strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new farming groups in Darley Brook (Upper Weaver Catchment) and the Dane Catchment. These groups will support collaborative efforts to improve local water quality and reduce flood risk.