Upstream Thinking 3
Innovation for Conservation
across the Dart, Exe, Fowey, Otter, Roadford, Tamar and Tavy catchments.
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Following the success of Upstream Thinking 1 (2010–2015) and Upstream Thinking 2 (2015–2020), we continued our work with South West Water to deliver the third phase of the Upstream Thinking (UST) initiative from 2020 to 2025.
We are now in the process of delivering Upstream Thinking 4, building on over a decade of collaborative work to improve water quality, biodiversity, and land management across South West river catchments.
What was achieved In Upstream Thinking 3:
Protecting Westcountry’s Rivers: Five Years of Progress with Upstream Thinking
Since 2020, the Upstream Thinking 3 (UST3) and Green Recovery Projects (GRP) have been working closely with farmers and landowners across seven of the Westcountry’s key river catchments: Dart, Exe, Fowey, Otter, Roadford, Tamar, and Tavy. These rivers are vital to the region’s drinking water supply, and this latest phase builds on the success of previous projects, Upstream Thinking 1 and 2 (UST1 and UST2).
Delivered in partnership with South West Water, Devon Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, SW Lakes Trust, and FWAG South West, these projects focused on improving water quality and reducing environmental pressures.
What’s Been Achieved?
- Better Farm Practices: Farmers have been supported in adopting land management practices that reduce negative impacts on water sources.
- Habitat Restoration: Semi-natural habitats have been maintained, restored, created, and connected to support biodiversity and improve water retention.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Demonstration projects have showcased practical ways to tackle water quality and retention issues.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Farmyard and in-field infrastructure have been improved or built to reduce water pollution risks.
An important part of the work has been helping farmers access funding. Over 40 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Agreements have been supported, bringing in £1.94 million for sustainable food production and nature recovery. Impressively, for every £1 of grant funding, landowners contributed an average of £1.30 — doubling the investment impact.
The projects have delivered a variety of interventions, focusing on the most effective and realistic actions to improve water quality:
Learning Together
Groups of farmers have taken part in trials and learning sessions, focusing on real-world solutions such as:
- Soil Mineral Nitrogen Testing in the Otter catchment
- Herbal Ley Trials with Dartmoor farmers
- Maize Undersowing Trials in the Fowey catchment
These initiatives help reduce reliance on fertilisers and limit soil loss, supporting both productivity and environmental health.
What’s Next?
With the 2020–2025 phase drawing to a close, the team is already looking ahead to the next five years of Upstream Thinking. The aim is to continue supporting landowners, old and new, in achieving further water quality improvements through better land and water management practices.
For more information, visit: Upstream Thinking – WRT
