Severn Trent offers farmers new water quality grants

Water company Severn Trent Water has launched a new round of grant funding for farmers, aiming to improve use efficiency and help protect local water quality.

The Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (Steps) 2026 offers support for projects that reduce the risk of nutrients, pesticides, soil and other pollutants entering rivers, streams, groundwater and boreholes.

See also: Farmers face grant delays as advice service hits capacity

Dr Jodie Rettino, Severn Trent’s catchment and biodiversity lead, said “At a time where all farmers are facing cost pressures, uncertainty around public funding, changing environmental expectations and increasing scrutiny around inputs, nutrients and water quality, Steps funding offers flexible support to help farmers make improvements.”

Severn Trent aims to work with more farmers across around 60 priority catchments, across eight counties, focusing on practical measures that can improve soil performance, reduce input losses, and strengthen environmental outcomes.

Funding options

• Among the available grants is funding to improve soil chemistry, covering 50% of eligible costs up to £5,000. The option supports targeted soil testing and management to address issues such as pH imbalance or nutrient deficiencies that may be limiting crop performance and fertiliser efficiency. Farmers must commit to managing nutrients in line with soil test recommendations for five years.
• Another option offers 50% funding up to £5,000 for lower-disturbance tillage equipment or machinery adaptations. The funding aims to help farms reduce cultivation intensity, improve soil structure and lower fuel, labour and establishment costs. Second-hand equipment may be eligible if it has a serviceable life of more than 10 years.
• Farmers wanting to create a dedicated pesticide handling, filling and equipment decontamination area on their farm can apply for 50% of costs up to £12,000 for a no spill filling area and biofilter as part of a 10 year agreement.
• Livestock farmers can apply for livestock placement payments worth £150/ha annually under a four-year agreement. The funding supports the temporary removal of stock from areas vulnerable to poaching or poor infiltration, helping protect soils, improve pasture performance and reduce pollution risks. There is £300/ha also available for herbal leys under a four-year agreement.
• For farms looking to enhance watercourse protection, the scheme offers £600/ha annually over four years for so-called “3D” field margins. These enhanced buffer zones combine grass margins with features such as trees, shrubs, swales and ridges to slow water movement, improve infiltration and trap pollutants before they reach watercourses.

Applications

Applications for Steps 2026 must be made through a local agricultural adviser, of whom 20 work across the region, and be submitted by 11 December.

Some projects may require additional permissions from local authorities or the Environment Agency.

Farmers interested in applying are encouraged to contact their local adviser to discuss the options best suited to their farm and catchment.