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A mere 14% of England's rivers are in good health, as reported by the Environment Agency in 2019. While water companies and sewage releases often bear the brunt of the blame, the role of farming practices in damaging our waterways cannot be ignored. Polluted water running off agricultural land is a significant contributor to the decline of these vital ecosystems. But what can be done to restore our rivers, and who are the pioneers leading this charge?
Whittern Farms, nestled on the Herefordshire-Welsh borders, is a beacon of hope amidst the crisis. Jo Hilditch, a fourth-generation farmer, manages a poultry, fruit, and mixed arable farm connected to the River Wye, despite being ten miles away. The intricate network of capillaries and brooks beneath her fields illustrates the inextricable link between land and waterways.
Jo's farm is part of England's Countryside Stewardship scheme, which supports practices such as grass buffer zones to protect water courses. However, this comes at a cost, as land is taken out of production. Her farm also produces 5.5 million chickens annually, contributing to the Wye Valley's status as the UK's poultry production hub. Despite this, Jo has implemented technology to prevent phosphates from chicken manure entering the river system, reducing the risk of algae growth that chokes river life.
Investing in three chicken litter burners has cost Jo approximately £3 million, with a loan initially planned for seven years but now extended to ten. The demand for cheap food leaves little room for investment in sustainable practices, highlighting the need for government support or consumer willingness to pay a bit more for responsibly produced chicken.
Billy, another farmer, is part of a movement towards regenerative agriculture, aiming to restore soil health, reverse biodiversity loss, and increase productivity. By avoiding artificial fertilisers, pesticides, and reducing machinery use, Billy employs winter cover crops to absorb water and maintain soil health. This approach not only retains nutrients but also prevents valuable topsoil from washing away.
In Wiltshire, a partnership between Amazon Web Services, the River Ark Trust, and local farmers has led to the creation of a new wetland. Each wetland cell filters farm runoff using different filtration plants, resulting in cleaner, slower-moving water that eventually flows into the River Kennet. This initiative represents a collective effort to protect the unique ecosystems of England's chalk streams.
The path to restoring our rivers is complex and requires a joint effort from farmers, government, and private companies. Farmers need expertise and financial support to implement sustainable practices. The creation of wetlands, the adoption of regenerative farming, and technological innovations are all part of the solution. By managing land and water more effectively, we can create spaces that benefit both wildlife and river ecosystems.
In conclusion, the health of our rivers is a reflection of our stewardship of the land. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to change, we can reverse the trend of declining waterway health and ensure a brighter future for England's rivers.
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