Project overview
Set within the Eden Valley, this farmer cluster brings together a committed group of landowners working collaboratively to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our rivers and landscapes — including flooding, water quality and biodiversity loss.
Formed in 2022, the Eden Valley Farmer Cluster spans Chiddingstone, Bough Beech and the Edenbridge area. With the River Eden and Bough Beech Reservoir at its heart, the cluster focuses on delivering practical solutions that support both productive farming and a healthier environment.
Our approach
The cluster focuses on three connected priorities:
- Food security and agricultural resilience
Supporting farmers to remain productive while protecting natural resources - Water management
Improving water quality, reducing pollution and increasing water availability - Landscape and nature recovery
Restoring habitats and creating space for wildlife to thrive
By working at a catchment scale, these priorities come together to deliver long-term benefits for both farming businesses and the wider environment.
Dead hedging © South East Rivers Trust
A shared vision for water and nature
The cluster is working closely with partners including Bore Place and SES Water to develop a shared nature recovery vision for the catchment.
This work focuses on restoring water resources, enhancing habitats and supporting more sustainable, river-friendly farming practices.
Through nature-based solutions — such as hedgerow planting, improving soil health and creating wetlands — we are helping to slow, store and filter water across the landscape. This reduces flood risk, prevents pollution and supports both rivers and groundwater.
A sample of soil for analysing © South East Rivers Trust
Collaboration and shared learning
Collaboration is central to the cluster’s success. Regular meetings bring farmers together to share knowledge, hear from guest speakers and explore new approaches to land management.
We also support farmers with business advice and help unlock access to funding for environmental improvements, enabling practical action on the ground.
Key achievements
Hedgerow workshop (January 2025)
A session led by Megan Gimber from People’s Trust for Endangered Species explored the role of hedgerows using historic and current mapping, helping identify opportunities for restoration.
Soil sampling and habitat surveys (Spring 2025)
Baseline data collected across the cluster to inform future restoration and land management decisions.
Big Farmland Bird Count (2025)
Participating farms recorded 30 bird species, including an impressive 100 redwing.
Hedgerow planting and management (Autumn 2025)
117 hedgerows were surveyed across 12.5km, with tailored management recommendations provided for each.
eDNA testing (May 2026)
Funding through FiPL enabled eDNA testing at 12 farms across the Eden catchment, helping to build a clearer picture of species presence.
Site visits (June 2026)
Ground-truthing phase as part of the Eden catchment review.
Catchment Management Plan (ongoing)
Phase 1 of a catchment-wide review is underway to identify key pressures and opportunities. This will be followed by on-the-ground validation and collaborative planning with landowners and partners.
The Eden Valley Farmer Cluster is currently working with Bore Place, the South East Rivers Trust and partners to merge with a neighbouring farmer cluster. This will help strengthen collaboration across a larger area and support future action for nature, water and sustainable farming.
eDNA testing at Ardenrun Farm on the Big Wood Estate © South East Rivers Trust
Looking ahead
Relationships across the Eden Valley continue to grow, with closer collaboration developing between the farmer cluster and the Eden for Nature Farm Cluster.
Together, this work is demonstrating how farming and nature can support each other. With the right collaboration, evidence and investment, the Eden catchment can become more resilient, productive and rich in biodiversity.
While the role of facilitating the cluster is evolving, we continue to work closely with partners and landowners to design and deliver projects that benefit the river and the wider landscape.
Work with us
Are you a landowner or farmer? We work with landowners across the South East to design and deliver practical, nature-based solutions that benefit your land, your business and your local river. Speak to our team to explore how we can work together.
