Water Restoration Fund - Mole Maize Management

Objective:​ 
To support sustainable maize production for anaerobic digestion feedstock near South Molton, while implementing and showcasing best practices that prevent soil erosion and protect watercourses—particularly the River Mole.​ 

Partners: Westcountry Rivers Trust & Engie UK​ 

Key Actions:​ 

• Facilitate Collaboration:​ 
  Establish and support a region-wide feedstock group and the South Molton Farmer Collective to strengthen coordination and knowledge sharing.​ 

• Assess Maize Performance:​ 
  Work closely with participating feedstock farmers to evaluate the agronomic and environmental performance of maize crops.​  

• Demonstrate Sustainable Practices:​ 
  Implement and monitor 100 hectares of alternative management or cropping systems over the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. This includes:​ 

• Testing innovative techniques​ 

• Measuring nitrogen residues and soil moisture​ 

• Tracking broader agri-ecological outcomes​ 

Develop Assurance Scheme:​ 

Collaborate with Engie to design, pilot, and refine a feedstock assurance and differential pricing scheme to incentivise sustainable practices.​ 

​Project Timeline: March 2025 – March 2028​