Managing land and water near the source of the Severn

The Severn originates in the hills of Montgomeryshire, beginning a 220 mile journey to the sea. It’s where we’re engaging with farmers to co-design schemes for nature restoration and community benefit.

1,781 km2

is the area we’re exploring, to build partnerships and schemes restore the river and enrich the surrounding landscape.

2,421 km

of riverbanks lie within this boundary, offering opportunity for landowners interested in positive impact on water systems.

Jonny Gios - Unsplash
Jonny Gios - Unsplash

Image: Helen Hotson/Shutterstock.com

A culturally important landscape

The upper reaches of the Severn have been shaped by farming over hundreds of years, and many farming families have lived and worked on the hills and valleys for generations.

From the Severn’s source on the slopes of Pumlumon, it is a place where ancient myth meets the modern-day, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the natural beauty of the Welsh landscape.

While the climate is changing and much of Powys faces economic pressure, this is also a landscape of opportunity.

For farmers this means the chance to offer new services which protect the environment and help slow the flow of water which affects so many down stream. We’re working to help make that happen.

Focus on Montgomeryshire

Working in partnership with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, the Severn Rivers Trust and  Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust), we’re focusing on the headwaters of the Severn  – with ambitious aims to support communities, reduce flood damage, improve water quality and boost biodiversity.

We’re seeking to work with farmers to pilot nature-based interventions for water and carbon management – from using nature to help manage water flow from the hills, to encouraging nature-friendly farming practices.

By listening to the needs of land managers and co-designing interventions that support their work, we can develop schemes that are financially beneficial – as well as giving nature a much-needed boost.

If you’re a farmer or landowner in the Welsh Uplands, we want to work with you. Find out more about how we can work together.

Partners

Montgomery Wildlife Trust
Severn Rivers Trust
Woodland Trust Cymru

Work with us

We’re actively looking for farmers, landowners and environmental charities to collaborate with in the Upper Severn region. Whether you’re facing flood damage, need help to fund nature-friendly farming practices, or simply share our vision for nature’s restoration, we want to hear from you.

Members of the The West End Women and Girls Centre growing together healthy, organic food in the 30 metre polytunnel at their tenanted Fallowlees Farm at Wallington, Northumberland
©National Trust/Paul Harris