In April, SWEF successfully secured funding from DEFRA’s Water Restoration Fund to explore farmer-led approaches to natural flood management. This grant not only empowers SWEF to continue its essential work in restoring water systems but also strengthens the collaborative partnerships that have been key to the project’s success.
With backing from Natural Capital Advisory (NCA), the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), Lancaster University, OUSEWEM, and the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, SWEF is actively pursuing innovative approaches to improve environmental outcomes. Together, these organisations are advancing a shared vision for sustainable land and water management across the region. SWEF is evidencing how farmer-led, scientifically validated nature-based interventions can deliver effective natural flood management and provide a model for scaling up and rewarding environmental outcomes.
DEFRA recently spoke with Emma Orde-Powlett, SWEF’s Project Manager, who is leading the initiative with support from NCA. Emma shared insights into the project’s progress and highlighted the environmental benefits of collaborative working.
SWEF’s inclusion in DEFRA’s latest blog is a testament to the impact of their work. The blog highlights SWEF’s achievements and the transformative potential of this funding.
Read more about SWEF’s progress and how this support is driving meaningful change.
Working together for water: 51 projects receive share of £11 million fund – Farming