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 & Events

Coppicing and dead Hedging at Lindow Common 1st December 2026
01/12/26
We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership to help conserve the special habitat within Lindow Common through coppicing and dead hedging.
Battling the Birch at Lindow Common 18 November 2026
18/11/26
We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership to help conserve the special habitat within Lindow Common by removing self-seeded Birch.
Battling the Birch at Lindow Common 14 October 2026
14/10/26
We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership to help conserve the special habitat within Lindow Common by removing self-seeded Birch.
Big River Watch September 2026
04/09/26
The Big River Watch 2026 is coming!
Alt weir removal scheduled
02/09/26
Exciting Update on the River Alt weir removal
River Alt Weir
Planning and design work to remove the disused River Alt weir
Wilmslow Bioblitz
08/08/26
Join us for a family-friendly Bioblitz on Saturday 8 August 2026
Unlocking the River Bollin
03/08/26
Restoring Fish Migration at Wilmslow Park
Merseyside pupils design their perfect river
23/07/26
Local pupils design their ideal river in our collaboration with schools and local partners
Kirkby Bioblitz
23/07/26
Join us for a family-friendly Bioblitz on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Croxteth Bioblitz July 2026
04/07/26
Join us at Croxteth Park on Saturday 4th July as part of Mersey Rivers Week
Balsam Bash at John O Jerusalem
01/07/26
Wednesday 1 July 2026 - Balsam Bash at John O Jerusalem
Balsam Bash at Rossmill
18/06/26
Thursday 18 June 2026 Balsam Bash at Rossmill
Mersey Valley Way Guided Walks
12/06/26
Summer guided walks on the River Mersey
Bracken Control: Tegg's Nose Country Park June
03/06/26
Wednesday 3 June. We're joining the Bollin Valley Partnership again to help control bracken and preserve valuable habitat at Tegg's Nose Country Park, Cheshire.
Mersey Rivers Week 2026
02/06/26
Join the Mersey Rivers Trust team at Mersey Rivers Week events in June and July 2026
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