Reporting pollution or environmental problems

If you’ve spotted pollution or an environmental problem on a waterway, please report it directly to the Environment Agency via GOV.UK or call their 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

A tractor in a field of wheat with the sun rising in the background.

Healthy farms, thriving rivers

Farmers and landowners play a vital role in protecting water, wildlife and landscapes. We work with farms and rural businesses across the South East to improve water resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver practical solutions that benefit both the environment and farm businesses.

Supporting your land, water and business

Changing weather patterns, increasing pressure on water resources and the need to support nature recovery present significant challenges for farms and landowners.

Our team provides practical, evidence-led advice and support to help you manage these challenges while building long-term resilience for your land and business.

By working together, we can identify opportunities that improve water availability, reduce pollution and flooding risks, enhance habitats and support sustainable land management.

Smarter water management for growers

Discover how Holistic Water for Horticulture helps growers manage water risks, strengthen resilience and benefit nature across the wider catchment.

Strawberries hanging from strawberry plants - looking down the polytunnel
An aerial view of ponds, scrapes and farmland.

Aerial view of the River Beult Water Resilience Project in Kent © South East Rivers Trust

How we can help

Improve water resilience

Water is becoming an increasingly valuable resource across South East England.

We help farmers and landowners understand water-related risks and identify practical solutions to improve resilience, including:

  • Water storage and rainwater harvesting
  • Sustainable irrigation solutions
  • Farm water management planning
  • Reducing vulnerability to drought and water shortage

Manage runoff and reduce flood risk

Heavy rainfall can lead to soil erosion, pollution and flooding both on and beyond your land.

We can help identify opportunities to:

  • Slow the flow of water across the landscape
  • Reduce runoff and soil loss
  • Improve water quality
  • Protect rivers, roads and nearby communities

Deliver Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions can provide multiple benefits for farms, rivers and wildlife.

Examples include:

  • Wetlands and farm ponds
  • Riparian tree planting
  • Floral plots and pollinator habitats
  • River restoration and floodplain reconnection
  • Soil health improvements

These approaches can improve biodiversity, store carbon, manage water and enhance the resilience of your land.

Access expertise and partnerships

Our specialists use mapping, monitoring and catchment-scale evidence to identify opportunities and target action where it will deliver the greatest benefit. We also bring together farmers, landowners, businesses and partners to develop landscape-scale solutions for water, soil and nature recovery.

 

Why work with us?

With more than 20 years of experience, we combine scientific expertise, local knowledge and practical delivery to develop solutions that work for both farming businesses and the environment.

We are trusted partners for farmers, landowners, water companies, local authorities, businesses and environmental organisations across the South East.

Looking for advice or support?

Whether you're interested in improving water resilience, creating wildlife habitats or exploring nature-based solutions, our team can help identify opportunities for your land.

A South East Rivers Trust member of staff testing the water in a stream surrounded by woodland.