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

Battling the Birch at Lindow Common - November 2025
Wednesday 19th November 10am - 3pm
Battling the Birch at Lindow Common - October 2025
Wednesday 15th October, 10am - 3pm
Lindow Moss Free Family Fun Day
Sunday 31 August, 10am to 3pm
Quarry Bank Guided Nature Walk
Thursday 21 August, 11am to 1pm
Water Net Gain
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’.
New Mersey Rivers Youth Forum Launched!
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Mersey Rivers Youth Forum for Greater Manchester.
Mersey Rivers Week 2025
It's Mersey Rivers Week: 14-19 July 2025
Bollin Pollution Education
This education campaign aims to reduce the risk of future pollution events from Lyme Green industrial estate thereby preventing serious impacts to fish and other aquatic ecology in the River Bollin.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers!
A huge thank you to all our volunteers in National Volunteers' Week!
Water Friendly Farming
Mersey Rivers Trust are working to help protect and improve water quality in Upper Weaver Catchment in Cheshire by working with farms in the Darley Brook, Ash Brook, Valley Brook and Englesea Brook catchments.
Natural Flood Management
Natural flood management (NFM) uses natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding.
Alt Catchment NFM
We are thrilled to announce that our £2.1m bid to the Environment Agency’s Natural Flood Management programme has been successful!!
Bentley Project
The Bentley Environmental Foundation raises funds for sustainability and environmental projects all over the world by working with various NGO’s and charities.
Invasive non-native species
Local Action Groups that deal with invasive species can be found all over the country, and are co-ordinated by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB NNSS).
Big Give Green Week 2025
It's the Big Give Green Week 2025: all donations doubled!
Big River Watch 2025
Big River Watch 25th April - 1st May
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