Farm Advisors: Supporting Farmers for a Healthier Ribble Catchment
Farming has shaped the landscapes of the Ribble catchment for centuries and, with rivers meandering through fields, pastures, and woodlands, farmers play a vital role in protecting water quality, reducing pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. That’s why Ribble Rivers Trust’s farm advisors work closely with farmers and landowners to find practical, sustainable solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment!
Why do We need farm advisors?
Some traditional farming practices can have a major impact on river health, from soil erosion and nutrient runoff to habitat loss and water pollution. As farms have expanded and increased production, the effects of these practices have multiplied.
The good news is that our dedicated Farm Advice team provides free, confidential support to farmers across the catchment, helping them move to more environmentally friendly ways of working. Plus, coming from farming backgrounds themselves, our farm advisors understand the realities of modern agriculture, so they can balance the needs of farm businesses with the needs of the environment.
Through site visits and tailored advice, our team helps identify improvements that can reduce diffuse pollution, improve soil and nutrient management, and protect watercourses. Actions such as installing watercourse fencing, roofing slurry stores, and managing livestock access to rivers not only enhance water quality but can also lead to long-term cost savings for farmers by reducing spending on items such as fertiliser and vets bills, as well as preventing soil loss and protecting infrastructure.
Our farm advisors also work with farmers to identify areas where small changes can have a big impact, such as creating woodlands, wetlands, or hedgerows on low-productivity land. These measures provide natural flood management benefits, increase biodiversity, and improve farm resilience while maintaining food production.
Funding Support for Farmers
One of the biggest barriers to implementing environmental improvements is funding, but our team is here to help. We support farmers in accessing grants and incentives, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), and England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).
Farm Groups: Learning and Collaboration
Beyond individual farm advice, we also enable collaboration through farmer-led groups. These groups provide a space for farmers to share experiences, attend training sessions, and explore funding opportunities. Over the past decade, we’ve established five farm groups in the catchment, including the Loud Farm Group, Long Preston Facilitation Fund Group, and newer groups in Trawden, Hyndburn, and the Douglas Catchment.
The Long Preston Facilitation Group, for example, supports farmers working on and managing the Long Preston Deeps floodplain, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). By working together, they balance productive farming with conservation, ensuring the area’s rich biodiversity is protected for future generations.
Meanwhile, the Loud Facilitation Fund group has grown significantly since 2015, playing a key role in the Loud Phosphate and Natural Flood Management project. With funding from United Utilities, farmers have implemented measures such as hedgerow restoration, woodland planting, and improved farm infrastructure to reduce phosphate pollution and slow water flow.
With more meetings and projects planned, we’re committed to expanding these groups and engaging even more farmers in sustainable land management.
A Shared Stewardship
By working together, we can create a landscape that supports thriving farm businesses, clean rivers, and resilient ecosystems. Whether through one-on-one advice, funding support, or farm groups, Ribble Rivers Trust is here to help farmers make practical, lasting changes that benefit both their businesses and the environment.
If you’re a farmer in the Ribble catchment and want to learn more about how we can support you, get in touch with our Farm Advice team today!
