With yet another dry Spring, and potentially a lack of rainfall during the Summer too, now is a good time to consider harvesting rainwater. Autumn 2019 was one of the wettest on record in the last 20 years for many parts of the UK, but now a few weeks of dry weather has left many farmers begging for more rain.
With the EA and NRW tightening restrictions on abstracting water, and even a shortfall in water available from ground and surface water sources during drier periods, many farmers could be turning to mains supplied water for irrigation and spraying. This quickly becomes costly and could be considered a waste of potable water when rainwater could be collected and used for free.
Why not consider collecting and storing rainwater for use when there is a lack of rainfall? There are grants available through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, for small scale rainwater harvesting if you do not have the means to finance it yourself. The option to install either an above ground or below ground tank can be obtained through a 2 year standalone water quality grant, or as part of a 5 year Mid Tier, but is only available to those whose land or farmyard is part of a High Priority area for water quality. You can check if you fall into one of these areas by checking DEFRA’s Magic Maps.
In addition, the scheme also offers grants for filters and diverters, to ensure that water collected will be free of leaves and other debris, making it more suited for livestock drinking water or for washing and cleaning machinery in the yard.
Farmers and landowners are urged to contact their local Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer (CSFO) by 31st May 2020, to be in with a chance to apply for these options as part of an agreement to start on 1st January 2021. Alternatively, the scheme is planned to run again in 2021, with an application window for agreements starting in January 2022, giving you plenty of time to consider the options and infrastructure you will need.
If you need further help or advice on grants, we’re here to help; give us a call on 01981590514.
