Waver Wampool Farming Futures

Healthy roots, rivers and revenues

Working in partnership with local farmers, this project promotes sustainable land management practices that protect and enrich soils, enhance water quality, increase farm productivity and build long-term resilience for farm businesses.

 

The catchment

Nestled in north Cumbria, the Waver Wampool Catchment spans 378 km² of predominantly flat, productive farmland, with Wigton at its heart.

The region is well-known for its thriving dairy, beef, and sheep farming. However, land managers are increasingly grappling with challenges such as soil erosion and compacted, waterlogged soils.

The area's network of rivers and becks have also been heavily straightened over time, leading to significant ecological changes. As a result, these waterways currently fall short of achieving 'good' status under the Water Framework Directive.​​

Challenges facing our land managers

Farmers are facing an increasing number of challenges and pressures from evolving changes in subsidies and regulations to the ever-increasing threat of climate change.

By supporting our catchment’s land managers to improve soil and nutrient management, we will not only help to ensure that farm businesses can continue to remain productive and resilient in the face of change but create thriving and healthy landscapes to benefit everyone.

Example image of poaching

How we can help farmers

We help farmers implement nature- and farm-friendly solutions in the right places – whether in-field, along boundaries, or around the yard. Our team supports land managers to:

  • Keep farm business plans up to date and effective

  • Provide bespoke soil and nutrient management planning

  • Offer in-field management advice to safeguard long-term productivity

  • Carry out whole-farm carbon baselining to prepare for future policies

We also provide guidance and application support to help farmyards and tracks make the most of available grants, while meeting regulatory standards for muck management and infrastructure.

Farm events

We deliver a programme of events tackling catchment-specific issues that affect sustainable farming. Events feature:

  • Real on-farm examples, peer-to-peer learning, and shared experiences

  • Expert advice from partners such as AHDB, Cumbria Farmer Network, and NFU

  • Connections to our Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer for funding support and resources

  • Practical guidance on making the most of grants, improving soils, and managing water on-farm

Image of Project Officer on site with a farmer in Waver Wampool catchment

Capital delivery

We are helping farmers access and deliver a wide range of capital improvements that bring real benefits for farm businesses and the environment. Our offers are designed to be practical, achievable and to add long-term value.

Current opportunities include:

  • Planting hedgerows, trees, and scrub

  • Creating watercourse buffer strips

  • Bespoke, in-depth soil sampling with follow-up guidance and support

Funding planting opportunities

We offer funded opportunities to:

  • Plant hedgerows, trees, and scrub in marginal areas

  • Create buffer strips to protect watercourses

These plantings bring multiple benefits for farms and wildlife, including:

  • Forage, shelter, and shade

  • Carbon capture and soil stabilisation

  • Nutrient gains and flood reduction

  • Pest control and pollination

  • Wildlife corridors and timber

Farm visits

We offer one-to-one farm visits, giving farmers the chance to access tailored advice that responds directly to their unique motivations, needs, and circumstances. Each visit is designed to explore practical and sustainable solutions that fit the realities of everyday farm management, whether that means tackling soil health, nutrient use, water management, or infrastructure challenges. Our advisors work alongside farmers on their own land, taking the time to understand business priorities and future plans, so that recommendations are both realistic and effective. By focusing on what matters most to each farm, we can help strengthen productivity, protect natural resources, and build long-term resilience.

Public engagement

We work with rural communities to:

  • Highlight the importance of local food production

  • Explain the food supply chain

  • Facilitate connections with suppliers, supermarkets, and processors

  • Provide education, learning opportunities, and support

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with our Farming Officer, Tasha Pearson, for a friendly chat about what could work for your farm. 

News & Events

Sign up to our newsletter

If you farm in the region, sign up for catchment news and events.

What's on image for Waver Wampool page

What’s on

See upcoming events, farm walks and workshops in the catchment.

Need a third…

Check back for new project events…

Monitoring change

We’re proud to be the local site operator working for the Environment Agency’s first ever air sampling project. This initiative evaluates the impact of ammonia mitigation measures under the Catchment Sensitive Farming Partnership. Managed by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the project focuses on monitoring ammonia levels near Wedholme Flow SSSI and National Nature Reserve. Each month, our team visits the catchment to replace 30 samplers located across the landscape. 

If you are a local landowner or farmer in the catchment and are interested in opportunities, contact our Farming Officer, Tasha Pearson.

Image of Joe Lyall

Waver Wampool’s ‘Farming Futures’ Project Assistant, Joe Lyall out collecting samples

Project funders

Project partners

Sign up to our newsletter