FARMERS around the Tamar River can now access free and confidential advice to help improve water quality and boost the health of their livestock and crops.

Over the next four years, the Westcountry Rivers Trust and partners are aiming to give 750 farmers across the South West practical tips on how to benefit from best practice, protect water quality and reduce the risk of pollutants, especially chemicals that enter our rivers.

Through the multi-award-winning Upstream Thinking project, which is funded by South West Water, farmers in priority locations, with land connected to rivers above water abstraction points, can potentially also apply for grants to fund improvement works. Advice is available to farms based in the River Tamar catchment and tributaries, which are above and drain into the abstraction point at Gunnislake.

The Westcountry Rivers Trust’s network of advisors, including Ross Cherrington in the Tamar catchment, will each work with their local farms based near rivers. After conducting a full review of a farm, they will advise farmers on the value of changes, such as introducing watercourse fencing or livestock drinking points, improving guttering and roofing to separate clean and dirty water, upgrading dung stores and slurry pits or better soil management.

There is a particular focus on increasing protection from the risk of pesticides, either in handling, application or product selection. The aim is to find solutions that not only reduce the risk of pollutants entering the water course, but also make the farm more efficient and more productive.

Upstream Thinking is based on the principle that excellent land management can have a positive impact on water quality. The aim is to reduce the amount of unwanted substances in river water, which in turn helps to control the cost of chemicals and energy needed to turn raw water into high quality tap water. It is a proactive approach to solving problems to bring about improved water quality, benefits to wildlife and improved efficiencies for farms plus helping to build in greater future resilience.

Mr Cherrington, advisor for the Tamar River catchment at the Westcountry Rivers Trust, said: ‘Farmers have an increasingly difficult job to manage their land and need simple, practical solutions. Around the Tamar, soil loss is a particular problem that is leading to more pesticides getting into the rivers, but making changes to crop and lifestock grazing practices can really make a difference.

‘Through Upstream Thinking, the Westcountry Rivers Trust can give free, confidential advice to farmers around the River Tamar. We’re here to offer a fresh perspective and win-win solutions that not only benefit the local river but also help make the farmer’s life easier, and crucially save money.’

To find out if your farm could benefit from the advice being offered through Upstream Thinking, contact Mr Cherrington on 01579 372140 or 07815 291147.