Building Resilience Through Reservoirs: Applying for a Water Management Grant
Lambing season is in full swing, seeds are sprouting, and the soil has been prepped – All seasonal signs that spring is well underway.
With quagmires bordering hectares of land up and down the country signalling a well-received deluge, the Environment Agency has reported improved irrigation prospects for East Anglia, the Midlands, Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire.
Although farmers may be wiping a bead of sweat from their foreheads, with increasing likelihood of dry conditions heading into the summer, we may hear the dreaded 'D' word yet! Particularly in Southwest and Eastern England.
So, how can the agri-food sector become more resilient?
On the 19th of April, the UK Government launched Water Management Grant Round 2. The initiative provides funding to businesses, farmers, and organisations that undertake activities that contribute to the sustainable management of water resources.
The grants are intended to support innovative projects that help to reduce water usage, improve water quality, and mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. This includes constructing on-farm reservoirs, adopting best practice irrigation techniques, and irrigation infrastructure.
Grants are dedicated to horticultural (including ornamental) and arable businesses growing or intending to grow irrigated food crops, ornamentals, or forestry nurseries.
Our Principal Water Resource Specialist, Tamsin Morey, commented.
"With up to £500,000 available per applicant, the grants are an excellent opportunity to strengthen your on-site water management.
The construction of reservoirs allows water to be abstracted during periods of high river flow and drawn on when resources deplete, typically over the summer months."
A simple solution, perhaps? Harriet Robson, our Senior Water Resources Specialist, commented further.
"Whilst the Water Management Grant should be considered, it's crucial that you are aware of the work necessary to submit a full application. Gaining planning permission and obtaining an abstraction licence is no mean feat, especially in areas of constrained water resources.
The Water for Food Group Task and Finish Group, of which I am chair, recognises the need to streamline the process and is championing on-farm reservoir storage as a sustainable water resource management method.
Envireau Water is working with a specialist team from the Environment Agency, Defra, the National Farmers Union, academics, water consultants, the Food and Drink Federation, and several other industry groups to develop tools that allow growers to plan for and mitigate against drought."
2022 reminded us that drought is never far away and whilst we have had a generally wet spring, now is not the time to stop planning for the future!
Need our help?
The first step to applying for the grant is to check whether you are eligible by 12th July 2023. Should you meet the funding priorities, you must submit a full application with evidence of secured planning permission and any required abstraction licences by the 31st of October 2024.
Our specialists are well-versed in providing planning support and can guide you through the grant process. Contact Tamsin Morey or Harriet Robson to discuss your requirements.
