Bristol Water has run its first workshop for farmers who belong to the Mendip Lakes Partnership established by the water company in autumn 2014.

 Bristol Water set up the Partnership to bring together farmers and land owners from across the Blagdon and Chew Valley Reservoir catchments with organisations such as Natural England, the Environment Agency Catchment Sensitive Farming and Avon Wildlife Trust. The partnership is aiming to improve the environment of the Lakes area, with a focus on wildlife habitats and water quality at the Mendip reservoirs.

Attendees heard about about the grant options available under the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant, while Chris Head from the West of England Rural Network (WERN) also outlined grant funding opportunities available through the European LEADER fund.

Increased concentrations of algae in Chew and Blagdon Lakes are making the water difficult to treat. These problems are linked to high levels of nutrients in the lakes, which are in turn influenced by runoff from the surrounding land. Working with farmers to reduce these nutrient concentrations will reduce treatment needed and help maintain the SSSI status of the lakes. We are also able to deliver added benefits by improving habitats and managing flood risk.

The Partnership is providing specialist advice on soil, water and nutrient management, and is helping farmers to access and coordinate applications for the new Countryside Stewardship schemes and Water Capital Grant funds. Bristol Water is also administering a capital grant fund through the project.

Matthew Pitts, Catchment Strategy Manager, Bristol Water commented:

“The reservoirs are an integral part of the fantastic landscape of the Mendips, and they are really important to the local area. We are very pleased to see so many farmers turning out today and taking issues such as water quality seriously. Everyone here wants to do what’s best for the environment and the local community. We are hoping to develop this partnership over the coming years and make a real difference to the catchment”