Severn Trent is issuing a final call for applications to its current round of STEPS (Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme) funding, which closes on 31 December 2023.

Through the scheme, farmers in priority catchments can apply for up to £30,000 of match funding to invest in solutions that will reduce water pollution risk and protect the environment, while supporting farm productivity.

Dr Adam Freer, senior catchment scientist at Severn Trent, says the company has identified three key concerns in its priority catchments and is urging farmers to pursue funded options that prevent pesticides, nitrates or cryptosporidium from reaching watercourses.

“For the first time, farmers can apply for Closed Transfer Systems (CTS), which enable fast, clean, and safe chemical transfer to and from sprayers, without the need for a full washdown bay,” he says.

“Plus, we’ve maintained our recently introduced packages offering up to £10,000 match funding across the board.”

But in catchments where pesticide reduction is a priority, farmers can apply for up to £30,000 for washdown and disposal areas. There is also up to 100% funding for watercourse fencing in catchments with cryptosporidium issues.

Dr Freer adds that grants are available to all types of farms, for a wide range of infrastructure and land management improvements.

“For example, we’ve seen the funds being put towards cover crops, pesticide biofilters, livestock pasture pumps and loosening of compacted soil,” he says.

“We hope that this flexibility will encourage more farmers to work in close collaboration with us and apply for grants before the 31 December cut-off date.”

One farmer who has taken advantage of STEPS is Shropshire-based Stephen Rawlings, who has found the grant scheme to be the most straightforward and business-beneficial option he has found in over 25 years of farming.

The funding has enabled Mr Rawlings to introduce watercourse stock-fencing, hardstanding areas, a water pump and drinking troughs, to name a few investments.

“The STEPS offering encourages us to make investments that will also have long-term gains for the farm,” he says.

“For example, we’ve had funding for stone to strengthen gateways and water trough areas, helping to reduce poaching, soil erosion and sediment run-off. This also helps to prevent lameness in our beef cattle and sheep.”

Mr Rawlings says: “It’s been a very smooth process, dealing with a real person who knows our farm system.

“I’ve even suggested to one of Defra’s leads that they should take inspiration from STEPS.”

To find out more about STEPS funding, contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www.STwater.com/STEPS 

How to apply for STEPS:

1. Check you’re in a priority catchment here: www.stwater.co.uk/steps
2. To increase your chances of a successful application, seek advice from your local Severn Trent agricultural advisor on what options would best suit your farm and make the greatest positive impact on the environment
3. Fill out your application online: www.stwater.co.uk/steps
4. Make sure your application is in by 31 December 2023, bearing in mind that you will have 12 months to complete the work after you have been accepted

[Box out] Priority STEPS options include:

Pesticide catchment areas:

• NEW! Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) for pesticides
• Pesticide washdown areas, including roofing
• Riverside grass margins
• Biobeds and biofilters
• Alternative weed management in grassland fields
• Precision pesticide application equipment

Nitrate catchment areas:

• Cover crops
• Grass margins

Cryptosporidium catchment areas:

• Livestock fencing along watercourses
• Hard bases for drinking troughs
• Roofed livestock handling and manure storage areas
• Constructed wetlands