Councillors have today (Thursday, 23 April) unanimously approved plans for a new £1.38 million grant scheme to help farmers and growers across Cambridgeshire use water more efficiently and reduce pressure on the county’s chalk streams and precious water resources.
The UK Government-funded Water Resilience Grant Scheme will be delivered by Water Resources East (WRE), and will support practical measures such as rainwater harvesting, on‑farm water storage and more efficient irrigation. These improvements will help farms become more resilient and access alternative water sources, helping to manage the overall water demand across homes, businesses, and the environment.
While the County Council’s overall scheme has been agreed, the detailed design is still being worked through, and more information on how and when farms can apply will be shared in the coming weeks.
Cambridgeshire is already facing growing pressure on its water resources, with shortages affecting not just agriculture, but the wider economy, communities, and the natural environment. Helping farms and horticultural businesses reduce the amount of water they need to take from rivers and chalk streams will increase their water resilience whilst supporting wildlife and protecting sensitive habitats.
Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
“Water is one of Cambridgeshire’s most precious and pressured resources. This new scheme will help farmers and growers take practical action to secure their own water supply while reducing overall water demand in the county. Together with Water Resources East, we’re supporting the farming sector, while helping to deliver our vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire.”
More information will be published on the Cambridgeshire County Council and WRE’s websites, once details are confirmed.
