Farming Updates

There is a lot going on in the agricultural world in terms of new and emerging agri-environment grants and schemes

At the moment there is a lot going on in the agricultural world in terms of new and emerging agri-environment grants and schemes, as well as local events and training. You can find out more about these in the latest edition of the Mersey Rivers Trust farming newsletter here.

Of major note is the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, opened for applications last week with the deadline of 17th January 2024 to use the online checker to submit an expression of interest. This grant will help farmers improve thier slurry storage facilities and ensure adequate storage throughout the winter months. More information on this is available here.

Farming groups and landowners are also being encouraged to bid for share of £2.5 million Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund, which supports groups of farmers, foresters and land managers that wish to collaborate to improve thier local environment and habitats on the land they manage, such as enhancing wildflower and grassland or protecting meadows and woodlands. Applications are open until the 15th January 2024. There is more information on this scheme here.

The latest 'Pasture News' newsletter has also been released by the Environment Agency Agriculture Team. The newsletter explains a bit more about the regulatory activity the EA is carrying out on farms, what they have found and how they're working with farmers and landowners to solve the issues they have found. You can read this newsletter here

Lasty, we have the Water Freindly Farming Hub on the Mersey Rivers Trust website where we link funds, training courses, events, case studies and advice on how you can make your farm more water friendly.    Mersey Rivers Trust is still providing free business advice to farmers in the Cotebrook, Utkinton, Darnhall, Wettenhall and Winsford areas, so please get in touch to find out more and book and appointment with one of our farm advisors.

News

Alt Weir Removal Planning
Plans are currently being explored for removal of the only major weir on the River Alt which is a barrier to fish migration
Mersey Valley Way: first National River Walk
The Mersey Valley Way along the River Mersey in Greater Manchester is the first designated national river walk in England.
Coppicing and dead hedging at Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow
Tuesday 3 March. We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership to undertake coppicing and dead hedging work at Newgate Nature Reserve, Wilmslow.
Battling the Birch at Lindow Common, Wilmslow
Wednesday 25 February. We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership to help conserve the special habitat within Lindow Common in Wilmslow by removing self-seeded Birch.
Urban Riverfly Monitoring Upskill
Wednesday 18 February. Join us for a 1 hour online training webinar that builds skills in riverfly (invertebrate) monitoring, identification, data collection, and urban water quality.
River Mersey Guided Walk & Litter Pick on the Mersey Valley Way, Stockport
Friday 6 February 2026
Farm Demonstration Day - Rostherne, Cheshire
Tuesday 3 February. An event for farmers and landowners. Join us for a Farm Demonstration Day at Rostherne Mere, Cheshire to discover cost-effective ways to boost land productivity and filter water with ponds & reed beds!
Alt Crossens Newsletter
A look back at the projects and achievements in 2025 in the Alt Crossens catchment and what is happening in 2026
Outfall Safari Training for Citizen Scientists
Thursday 28 January. Join us for an online training session for the public to learn about outfall safari citizen science river surveys
River Mersey Guided Walk & Litter Pick: Mersey Valley Way, Stockport
Friday 23 January 2026
Mersey Valley Way
Mersey Rivers Trust is delighted that the River Mersey in Greater Manchester has been selected for the first national river walk
Litter Raft in Manchester
Adventure filmmaker Raphael Holt raising awareness of the litter & flytipping issues facing Manchester’s waterways
Manchester College Water Quality STEM Session
Soil and Water Health Day
Thursday 30th October
We are hiring ! Finance & Governance Manager
🌿 Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 🌿 
Vision for Sustainable Water Management in Liverpool City Region
Ambitious new vision to clean up rivers, prevent flooding and maintain water supplies
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