Milton Valley Cluster

The Milton Valley Cluster was established in 2022 with ten members and covers over 1500 ha surrounding the Milbourne Stream. The group applied to the CS Facilitation Fund and was awarded funding to continue.

The group aims to improve water quality, specifically reducing nitrate levels in the Milbourne St Andrew groundwater drinking water catchment and reducing nitrate leaching within the Poole Harbour Catchment. The group aims to increase biodiversity through habitat management, including riparian habitats, arable field margin management for rare arable plants and farmland birds, lowland calcareous grassland restoration and creation, and woodland creation reducing nitrate leaching from arable cultivation and intercept runoff.

If you would like to find out more about the group, get in touch with Neve Bray, [email protected].

Latest

[11.04.24] Wessex Water: River Tone, Parrett and Yeo Phosphorus Reduction Scheme

FWAG SW are working with Wessex Water and farmers in sub-catchments of the Rivers Tone, Parrett and Yeo to reduce phosphorus (P) runoff from farmyards, tracks and fields by three tonnes per year by 2025. Click here to read more...
Wessex Water: Tone, Parrett and Yeo Phosphorus Reduction Scheme

FWAG SW advisers are working with Wessex Water and farmers in sub-catchments of the Rivers Tone, Parrett and Yeo to reduce P runoff from farmyards, tracks and fields by three tonnes per year by 2025.
Award evening celebrates our Silver Pintail winner for 2023

In March we gathered at Harts Barn, Gloucestershire to announce the winner of the 2023 Silver Pintail Award for farming and conservation. Click here to read the full blog...
Farmland Bird Identification Event at Frampton Court Estate

A fantastic day of farmland bird identification with our knowledgeable & passionate guides, Gordon Kirk, regional representative from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Richard Hollis, FWAGSW’s trainee Farm Environment Advisor in Cornwall. The discussions offered guidance on distinguishing common farmland birds through visual observations and contrasting calls.

Stour Headwaters Project

FWAG SW are the lead partner on the Stour Headwaters Project aiming to improve the water quality in the River Stour catchment whilst reducing flood risk, increasing biodiversity and improving farming nutrient efficiency.
Young Explorers Project

Facilitated by FWAG SW and funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, Young Explorers aims to support youth groups to design a one-day event hosted at a local farm.
Silverlake Conservation and Community Fund

The Silverlake Conservation and Community Fund supports nature conservation works to enhance biodiversity and increase habitat connectivity. The fund is supporting habitat creation and restoration including hedgerows, woodlands and ponds.
River Stour Phosphate Reduction Scheme

The River Stour Phosphate Reduction Scheme is being funded by Wessex Water and facilitated by FWAG SW. The Dorset team engaged with farmers who identified runoff from tracks, fields and farmyards.
Dorset Rural Run-off Project

The Dorset Rural Run-off Project is funded by the Environment Agency and Dorset Council.
Purbeck Farmer Group

A collaborative group of farmers and land managers to deliver the Countryside Stewardship (CS) priorities for the South Purbeck Character Area facilitated by Senior Adviser Nicola Hopkins.
Devils Brook Multi-Benefit Project

FWAG SW-led project to improve water quality and river habitats in the Devil’s Brook and Cheselbourne Stream with funding from Wessex Water, Environment Agency, Dorset AONB FiPL and The Tree Council.
Cranborne Chase Farmer Cluster

Senior advisor Clare Buckerfield facilitates this cluster which aims to improve habitat connectivity to benefit farmland birds, pollinators and arable plants, improve water and soils and engage local people. Funded by Horizon 2020 and in partnership with Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Long Bredy Farmer Group

Senior advisors Clare Buckerfield and Alex Butler facilitate a group of five farmers who are working together to improve grassland habitats, the hedgerow network, soil health, ponds and woodlands and benefit key species including Adonis Blue and Corn Bunting.
Dorset Wild Rivers

Dorset Wild Rivers is a Wessex Water funded partnership project. The project focuses on Dorset’s priority rivers and aims to achieve the restoration of over 5km of river habitat and seven new wetland enhancement schemes. The project aims to engage with farmers in specific catchments to share knowledge and bring about lasting benefits to the ecology of the river habitat.

Become a member / Renew your membership

JOIN US! Become a friend or a member and you'll be helping to create a better farmed environment for everyone across the South West.
Mission and vision

FWAG SouthWest seeks to support, enthuse and inspire fellow farmers to value the environmental assets on their land and use them to secure sustainable and profitable businesses for the future.
Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme

The first FWAG Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme began in 2004 and has taken place annually ever since. The aim of the scheme is to provide farmers with a responsible, environmentally sound way to recycle plastic, preventing it from going to landfill. The scheme is simple and straight forward, with no membership fees so the farmers only pay for the plastic they bring.
Countryside Stewardship

FWAG SW has a wealth of experience in the range of grants on offer and their suitability for your farm business. We can prepare and submit an application on your behalf and help with your evidence and record keeping requirements.
Hills to Levels

Hills to Levels is a holistic catchment management approach, which began across catchments in Somerset, aiming to ‘slow the flow’ to reduce flood risk, reduce erosion, improve water quality, deliver wider environmental benefits and increase resilience on the floodplain.
Kingfisher Project

The Kingfisher Award Scheme (KAS) provides children with the opportunity to go onto farms to explore the natural world.
Jenny Phelps

Senior Farm Environment Adviser & Glos Team Leader
Chief Executive Officer
Somerset Catchment Partnership

Somerset Catchment Partnership is bringing together a range of organisations who work within the water environments of Somerset since 2013.
Where we work

Our advisers are located throughout the south west, and cover Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.