Simple Steps to Managing Water Sustainably on Farm
Simple Steps to Managing Water Sustainably on Farm
An Integrated Farm Management Guidebook.
Who are LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming)?
Who are LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming)?
We are a charity that promotes and supports more sustainable farming to create a resilient food and farming system for future generations.
We are a charity that promotes and supports more sustainable farming to create a resilient food and farming system for future generations.
This guidebook is kindly supported by Waitrose & Partners, as part of the Farming For Nature programme.
This guidebook is kindly supported by Waitrose, as part of their Farming For Nature project.
We connect.
We connect.
We connect farmers, innovators and industry to understand best practice sustainable farm management and how it can be applied most effectively to each farm’s unique situation.
We build trust.
We connect farmers, innovators and industry to understand best practice sustainable farm management and how it can be applied most effectively to each farm’s unique situation.
We build trust.
We provide assurance that growers are farming more sustainably through our independently audited LEAF Marque certification; from the health of their soils to how they engage with local communities.
We educate.
We provide assurance that growers are farming more sustainably through our independently audited LEAF Marque certification; from the health of their soils to how they engage with local communities.
We educate.
Our team of qualified educational specialists work with schools, citizens and farmers across the UK to bring sustainable farming to life, both in schools and on-farm.
Our team of qualified educational specialists work with schools, citizens and farmers across the UK to bring sustainable farming to life, both in schools and on-farm.
Within the agricultural industry, the availability, quality and optimal management of water is changing in response to an increasing global population and climate change. Changing the global approach to water management to address these pressures and corresponding risks represents a significant social, economic and environmental challenge for the sector. The adoption of sustainable farming practices and uptake of innovative technologies is needed at scale to maintain productivity and ensure supply chain resilience.
On a global scale, 70% of freshwater withdrawals are used for agriculture, with variations according to country and rainfall. This highlights the hugely significant role that agriculture plays in water consumption globally. Water availability and climate change are inextricably linked. The impacts of climate change; floods, drought, wildfires, and rising sea levels, all exacerbate the potential impact of maintaining sustainable food production. In the UK, over 2 million hectares of soil are at risk of erosion1, with 4.6 million properties in the UK at risk of flooding due to surface water, around twice as many properties at the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea2. A potential 20% increase in total volume of runoff during storm events due to soil degradation was reported in a 2000 government report3, following the wettest year since records began.
Water management strategies which aim to conserve and build the resilience of water supplies have the potential to be part of the solution to maintain productivity.
Understanding sustainable water management and the relevance to crop health, soil quality and overall farm productivity is a crucial factor in the transition of the agricultural industry towards a more resilient, secure and sustainable future.
This guidebook sets out simple steps to more sustainable water management, within the framework of Integrated Farm Management
Understanding water use
Identifying ways to improve
Implementing measures to
Farmer case studies provide a range of practical perspectives and tips on how to tackle specific challenges across a range of farm types.
Integrated Farm Management (IFM).
IFM aims to enhance the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of farming, whilst promoting a wide variety of contextspecific management techniques. IFM considers the whole farm as a unified system, bringing together a range of management practices that can be tailored and adapted to meet the needs of the business. Every farm can approach IFM in a unique way, considering contextual factors such as crop type and location.
The IFM wheel (see Figure 1), is a visual representation of the approach, showing nine interrelated sections, including a section on water management. A strong understanding of each section and how they interact is essential for effective implementation of IFM. The benefits of IFM can include improved business resilience, adaptability
DRIVINGCIRCULAR AGRICULTURE
Integrated Farm Management CLIMATE+ NATURE +
DRIVINGCIRCULAR AGRICULTURE ECONOMY+ SOCIETY +
Effective water management supports all other IFM sections, as practices aimed at improving water management can also generate benefits in other areas of your farm business. Managing water more sustainably may require the adoption of novel strategies to help farmers adapt to evolving climate change challenges whilst optimising productivity. These strategies could include:
▷ Increasing irrigation efficiency
▷ Rainwater harvesting
▷ Use of precision farming technology like sensors and GPS to optimise inputs and reduce waste
▷ Cover cropping to promote water retention and prevent soil erosion
▷ Optimising livestock management
Figure 1: IFM wheel.
A clear understanding of water usage on the farm is important to enable identification of the areas for improvement, optimisation of water efficiency and reduction of business costs. Carrying out a baseline assessment by quantifying water usage and mapping main water sources, can provide the foundation of an optimised water management strategy. This assessment should include all water sources and watercourses on farm, including boreholes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and streams. Other things to consider in the assessment may include seasonal fluctuations in availability, water storage infrastructure and pollution / run-off risks. Useful resources, including water management plan templates, are available to LEAF members.
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN EXAMPLE
Enterprise/farm name:
Water catchment context including any existing issues:
Potential/actual environmental impacts of water used:
Strategies to reduce water use and improve water use efficiency:
Considerations of future demand and local water availability:
Comments Timeline Person responsible
Case study. Home Farm Nacton.
Managing Director: Andrew Francis
Location: Suffolk
Farm size & enterprises: 1,500 hectares, including 200 hectares of organic vegetables and LEAF Marque-certified crops; the remaining land is conventionally farmed.
Home Farm Nacton aims to lead by example, advocating for sustainable water practices and facilitation of knowledge-sharing among farming communities.
▷ Climate change is creating unpredictable weather patterns, with periods of excessive rainfall and extreme drought. These fluctuations impact water availability, making efficient management essential.
▷ “If we don’t have any water, we don’t have a business.” – Andrew Francis, HFN Director.
▷ Community engagement is key to raising awareness about the role of water in agriculture, ecology, and food security.
▷ Exploring innovative water management solutions helps ensure long-term resilience and sustainability in food production.
Current practices.
Drip irrigation:
Used for undercover crops to optimise water efficiency and reduce evaporation.
Investment in technology:
Solid-set sprinklers enhance precision. Advanced rain gun systems with GPS mapping reduce water wastage.
Soil moisture monitoring:
Capacitance probes assess soil moisture deficits, while rain measurement units track irrigation via a tipping scale system.
Felixstowe hydrocycle collaboration:
Regulated water abstraction from the local catchment supports sustainable distribution within the Suffolk region.
Strategic reservoirs:
A linear chain system balances supply and demand, aiding water storage during dry and wet seasons.
Trialling Managed Aquifer Recharge
(MAR):
Surplus water is directed into lagoons for groundwater recharge. Monitoring ensures water retention can support summer abstraction and river flow.
Impacts.
▷ Improved water efficiency through precision irrigation techniques.
▷ Strengthened regional water resilience via collaboration with stakeholders.
▷ Enhanced knowledge-sharing across the agricultural sector.
▷ Increased sustainability by integrating water conservation with food production.
Case study: Home Farm Nacton.
Future planning & advice.
A holistic approach: recognising the connection between food production and ecological sustainability to develop integrated strategies that cover all aspects of sustainable water
Grey water utilisation: investing in infrastructure to capture and filter grey water for reuse, particularly during
Sector-wide collaboration: hosting onfarm events and discussion forums to strengthen communication on water management pressures.
Continuous learning: assessing past experiences to refine best practices and improve long-term water resilience.
By implementing innovative technologies and fostering collaboration, Home Farm Nacton is demonstrating a proactive and sustainable approach to water management, setting an example for the
Choosing to grow drought-resistant forage varieties can ensure a reliable source of livestock fodder even in times of low water availability.
Providing shade, increasing water access points or adjusting grazing practices can also enhance livestock welfare.
Many farm assurance standards require daily recording of water meter readings as an aid to managing animal welfare. This is particularly associated with intensive livestock production where a sudden change in water consumption can be an early indicator of disease or stress in the animals.
Engaging with staff and contractors so they understand contextspecific best water practice on the farm, and developing an emergency plan for livestock access to water in times of flooding or drought, can increase business organisation and resilience.
Step 3: Monitor water quality.
As well as availability, ensuring excellent water quality is paramount in facilitating best practice water management on farm. Carrying out initial water quality tests on the water sources and watercourses on the farm can provide valuable baseline data, forming the basis of an ongoing water management plan which includes regular water testing or ecological surveys to ensure the water meets environmental criteria.
Water quality can be monitored using the following tests:
▷ chemical parameters (e.g. pH, nitrogen and phosphorus levels)
▷ biological health (e.g. freshwater invertebrate populations) and microbial analysis (e.g. bacterial populations).
Physical, chemical and biological testing equipment is widely available to enable on-site testing capability, whilst laboratory analysis is inexpensive if the requirements of the business better suit outsourcing.
Implementing a robust and repeatable sampling strategy that includes all water sources and watercourses on the farm (by sampling from readily identifiable locations, including points at which drainage enter watercourses and locations with a risk of runoff potential) will develop a clear picture of water quality on the farm.
Improving water use efficiency.
Since global demand for water is projected to increase, safeguarding existing water sources and increasing water use efficiency (WUE) can reduce business risk and costs. WUE aims to maximise business profitability in terms of income generated per volume of water used, an important factor when considering effective utilisation of available resources. WUE is affected by factors such as soil type, type of crop, evapotranspiration rate and cultivation practices.
Here are some ways to improve WUE:
▷ Reduce water use where possible.
▷ Reuse water where possible, (e.g. treating and reusing water for washing down yards and dirty areas).
▷ Recycle water (e.g. collecting rainwater runoff from roofs and clean yard areas).
Collecting data and reviewing records on a regular basis will enable benchmarking of water use on the farm. Regular water meter readings and routine checks around the farm for signs of leaks and damage to water pipework, distribution, and storage systems (especially in the winter) will facilitate ground-truthing of water usage data.
Water use may be seasonal and longterm patterns in the data will be revealed by recording water usage over a longer period of time. Once the tracking of water use, including wastewater, has generated sufficient data, areas for improvement can be identified.
Areas of improvement may include:
▷ Identifying and amending farm practices that may lead to water evaporation or waste.
▷ Identifying areas prone to flooding and drought and taking remedial action to reduce the risk of adverse weather to your business.
▷ Identifying the most appropriate methods of irrigation to prevent water loss.
Case study. James Hutton Institute.
Senior Researcher: Mark Wilkinson
Location: Aberdeen & Dundee, Scotland
Farm size & enterprises: The James Hutton Institute founded in 2011, works at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation, exploring a range of prominent ecological topics including finding sustainable water management solutions through rigorous scientific research. JHI is a LEAF Innovation Centre with 520 employees across a range of trial farms in UK, specialising in scientific research and sustainable water management.
Current water management practices.
▷ Working alongside Natural Flood Management Scotland (NFM), JHI have developed a range of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) which address prevalent water challenges via river restoration, landscape modifications, and monitoring technologies to track water supply fluctuations.
▷ Investigating pollution retention methods such as 3D buffer strip zones to reduce runoff, as well as assessing the broader ecological benefits.
▷ Enhancing landscape features to slow down water flow and improve flood storage capacity. Their research areas focus on designing, placing, and evaluating the effectiveness of flood barriers across a range of farming systems and landscapes.
▷ Runoff Attenuation Features (RAF): Exploring temporary interventions such as ponds and leaky barriers to help manage water flow and storage during peak rainfall events. This helps build long term strategies to combat fluctuations in water management.
▷ Magic Margins & Community Engagement: Testing Tied Ridger techniques to control water movement, particularly in vegetable production. Findings are shared via the ‘Magic Margin Podcast’ to enhance outreach and community involvement.
▷ Water-Related Ecosystem Services: Advancing NbS research to enhance water quality, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration through natural processes.
Impacts of current practices.
▷ Strengthening industry resilience by mitigating the risks of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, through science-driven solutions.
▷ Contributing to policy development and sustainable farming strategies by generating robust, research-backed evidence.
▷ Enhancing collaboration between researchers, farmers, and policymakers to promote best practices and scale up effective water management strategies.
▷ Expanding community engagement and knowledge-sharing to encourage wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
Case study: James Hutton Institute.
Future planning & advice for the industry.
▷ As climate change continues to intensify, there is greater need for research and funding to enhance flood mitigation and drought resilience. Developing advanced hydrological systems, early warning systems and extensive water management policies is crucial in reducing risk on agricultural communities.
▷ Significant research gaps remain regarding the efficacy of runoff attenuation measures in managing water flow. Conducting more extensive studies help refine strategies for controlling these events, ensuring policymakers have access to the most reliable information when designing flood prevention frameworks. Bridging the gap between scientific research and policy creation will create a more adaptive approach to sustainable water management.
▷ By integrating NbS on a larger scale in long term, farmers can work to further improve factors such as water retention, soil erosion and biodiversity.
▷ Encouraging peer-to-peer learning will be essential in ensuring that innovative water practices are widely adopted. By co-creating platforms for collaboration, farmers and stakeholders will be better equipped to make informed, science-based decisions that enhance land and water resource management.
Through ongoing research, strategic collaboration, and the integration of cutting-edge scientific development, the James Hutton Institute remains committed to advancing sustainable water solutions. These efforts support agricultural resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and enhance climate adaptation strategies, ensuring a more sustainable and water-secure future for farming communities.
Step 4: Incorporate management practices to improve WUE.
Irrigation management.
Irrigation management decisions are based on crop need, water availability, water quality and appropriate application methods to optimise productivity and water use efficiency, including management decisions such as:
▷ Scheduling irrigation based on factors such as evapotranspiration rates, forecasted rainfall or soil moisture deficits at different soil depths.
▷ Selecting irrigation methods which provide good accuracy and water placement, optimising water infiltration into soil, such as drip irrigation.
▷ Where appropriate, applying nutrients through the irrigation system to enhance their availability for crop uptake.
Soil management.
Soil and water management are intrinsically linked. Soil management has a huge impact on the soil’s water holding capacity and subsequent availability of water. Climate change is causing increased rainfall intensity and periods of drought, exacerbating the potential for soil erosion, flooding and desiccation. Management techniques such as reduced tillage farming and cover cropping can improve the soil water holding capacity and reduce the risk of soil erosion.
Many factors influence soil’s capacity to absorb and store water, including soil type, soil structure, topography and cultivation practices. Assessing the soil structure using the Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) system can provide a useful baseline to enable data monitoring, as well as identifying areas at risk of soil erosion. Water quality is affected by sediments, nutrients and pesticides leeching from the soil; improving soil health and optimising irrigation can improve the holding capacity of the soil and reduce excess runoff. Soil erosion and nutrient leeching can be reduced by using buffer zones of vegetation which extend several metres from rivers, streams, and other water bodies to minimise water pollution.
Cultivation methods have a huge effect on soil structure and health, and adapting tillage methods and timing can be valuable tools within a water management plan. Minimising soil compaction caused by livestock or machinery will also have a beneficial effect on maintaining optimal soil structure.
Nutrient management.
Identifying, quantifying and optimising input requirements can reduce the risk of nutrient leeching. Practices such as soil sampling to match crop nutrient requirements to required input quantities minimise the risk of excess nutrients entering watercourses and optimises crop production.
If inputs are used, consider:
▷ Accuracy and method of application, including well calibrated machinery and trained staff.
▷ Correct selection of nutrient and crop protection products.
▷ Weather conditions at the time of application.
▷ Adoption of technologies to optimise resource use, e.g. precision application, soil mapping, etc.
Taking steps to ensure accurate application of appropriate inputs will minimise the risk of water pollution.
Additional recommendations for livestock famers.
▷ Consider the construction of dedicated cow tracks. These can provide benefits for soil, water and animal welfare. Careful siting will ensure runoff and drainage does not pollute water sources.
▷ Minimise poaching in pinch points such as gateways.
▷ Manage grazing methods to avoid soil compaction and overgrazing.
▷ Implement a manure management plan, within a Waste & By-product Management Plan.
Good practices in New Zealand dairy operations. Global insights:
Minimising the impacts of dairy farming on New Zealand’s pristine water resources is a priority of the central and local government as well as the country’s dairy farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for the Environment has been working in collaboration with Environment Waikato, a representative of all the regional councils, and Fonterra, a multinational dairy company owned cooperatively by 13,000 New Zealand dairy farmers, to create an Action Plan for water management in dairy farming.
This Action Plan builds on the existing initiatives already put in place by the industry and local governments. Some of the priorities of the Action Plan include:
▷ Fencing streams and rivers
▷ Providing stock crossings at critical points
▷ Fencing significant wetlands
▷ Appropriate disposal of dairy shed effluent
▷ Managing nutrients applied on the farm
Other practices that farmers may employ include:
▷ Maintaining vegetation along streams to filter out sediment and other contaminants
▷ Better management of effluent ponds
▷ Reducing the grazing pressure on slopes that are erosion prone
Case study. Court Farming Partnership.
Farmer: Andrew Court
Location: Staffordshire, England
Court Farming Partnership, based in Staffordshire, is predominantly an arable based farm that also carries beef cattle for major retailers. Water management has long been a core principle for the farm, ensuring efficient crop growth and nutrient retention whilst also protecting natural water sources. Andrew has taken an innovative and forward-thinking approach to tackling water management challenges. His efforts not only benefit the farm but also serve as a valuable model for other farmers looking to adopt sustainable practices.
Addressing water retention & nutrient loss.
The farm is situated on a light, sandy loam soil, which is highly free draining. This presents diverse challenges in retaining water during dry summers and prevention of nutrient leaching. To combat these issues, the farm has developed strategies to improve soil structure and increase its water-holding capacity, thus reducing water stress on crops and enhancing nutrient efficiency.
Key practices include:
▷ Cover Crops: These play a critical role in capturing excess nitrates, preventing them from leaching into groundwater. The deep-rooted systems help to improve soil porosity, which increases water retention and reduces erosion.
▷ Paddock (Cell) Grazing: This rotational system mimics natural grazing patterns, allowing land to recover and improving soil health by depositing nutrients naturally via faeces.
▷ Periodic Soil Testing: Regular analysis using a ensures balanced nutrient levels and informs better land management decisions. Compaction levels are also tested using a Comb Penetrometer.
A significant component of the farm’s water management success is its collaboration with Severn Trent. Being in a groundwater (GW) catchment zone, the farm takes proactive steps to prevent nutrient runoff, safeguarding water quality for the broader community.
Innovative water conservation measures.
Andrew has implemented a range of practical solutions to reduce water waste and contamination:
▷ Ram Water Troughs & SolarPowered Pumps: These ensure livestock have access to clean water without damaging watercourses.
▷ Precision Sprayer Technology: Includes section control to prevent overlap and variable rate technology for targeted application, reducing excess usage.
▷ Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing pure rainwater in tanks enhances application efficiency and absorption rates for crops.
A holistic approach to water management requires constant monitoring. Andrew uses a comb penetrometer to assess soil compaction and integrates weather data into his planning. These insights ensure better decision-making.
The importance of water management.
Andrew sees water management as key for both financial and social reasons:
1. Financial Benefits: Effective water use minimizes wastage and prepares the farm for climate variability, from droughts to heavy rainfall.
2. Community & Environmental Impact: By reducing pressure on drainage systems, the farm helps mitigate flooding risks, benefiting the wider population.
Looking to the future.
Court Farming Partnership remains committed to advancing water conservation efforts. Future goals include:
▷ Further expanding soil structure improvements to enhance resilience to climate change.
▷ Encouraging collaboration through knowledge exchange forums like the Green Farm Collective. We will continue to build on our collaborative relationship with Severn Trent and other water abstraction groups, to reduce our inputs and pesticide usage to name a few.
▷ Exploring composting to further improve water retention and reduce waste.
Andrew’s forward-thinking approach serves as an inspiration to other farmers. His ability to combine innovation with practical, scalable solutions demonstrates that sustainable water management is not just an environmental necessity—it’s a pathway to long-term agricultural success. Case study: Court Farming Partnership.
Recommendations to improve field drainage:
▷ Regularly maintain existing drains to ensure they are clear and outflows into ditches are not blocked.
▷ Manage drainage ditch clearance to ensure optimum water quality levels and to encourage wildlife, ensure that ditches are maintained on a rotational basis.
▷ Consider establishing field scrapes or reed beds to store flood water.
▷ Develop and regularly update field drainage maps with any changes, such as new drains or outlets.
▷ Maintain or restore environmentally valuable wetland areas. Wet woodland, wet grassland and wet meadows are valuable habitats and increase water quality through filtration.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
Developing practical solutions for drainage is critical. In a joint project, LEAF and the Environment Agency explored the effectiveness of different farm level options designed to slow sediment flow and runoff from different farm and field locations.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) provide a sustainable approach to managing the drainage of surface water and aim to better manage the future likelihood of flooding and water quality issues. This is achieved through mimicking natural drainage and managing water above-ground through storage and slowing down flows of water into watercourses, whilst improving water quality and amenity.
A leaky dam allows normal water flow within a ditch or small stream but slows the flow during heavy rainfall. Along with storage ponds, they trap sediment, which keeps soil and nutrients within the field and improves water quality below the dam.
Well-structured soil: high infiltration & storage capacity
Hedgerow
Gate at top of field
Hedgerow
Run tramlines across slopes where possible & safe to do so
Temporary overland flow pond
Slow flow Vegetated ditch
Natural buffer area in hollow
5 metre buffer strip
Within ditch storage pond
invisible to the naked eye, but in times of intense rainfall the adverse effects of diffuse pollution can be seen with sediment in water runoff and ditches, and erosion in fields and on farm
SuDS are designed to impact on both a local and larger scale. Where you have areas of high runoff risks, consider the following options:
E W Davies Farms is a family-run arable enterprise and LEAF Demonstration Farm committed to sustainability through Integrated Farm Management (IFM). With a diverse cropping rotation including combinable crops, sugar beet, grass leys, and environmental mixes, the farm has also introduced a 350-strong Polled Dorset sheep flock and a B&B pig enterprise. A key focus is sustainable water management, ensuring efficient usage across cropping and livestock systems to improve resilience and environmental responsibility.
Current practices.
▷ The farm has installed rainwater collection tanks to capture runoff from roofs and natural springs, significantly reducing reliance on mains water. This stored water is primarily used for spraying, easing pressure on local water infrastructure. Field drainage systems have been implemented to manage the heavy clay soil, ensuring land remains accessible even during wetter periods.
▷ Restoring and maintaining older ponds, alongside creating new ones, has improved water retention, and boosted biodiversity.
▷ A dedicated reservoir platform enables local primary school children to engage in educational activities focused on water conservation and ecosystem health.
▷ Additionally, effective ditch management has reduced waterlogging, supporting better soil and crop health.
Impacts.
Through these initiatives, water use efficiency has improved across all enterprises. The farm's Integrated Farm Management approach provides a holistic understanding of water’s role in the entire system, enhancing productivity while protecting natural resources. Increased water storage and improved drainage have led to reduced runoff, better field conditions, and increased habitat diversity.
Future planning.
To further improve resilience, the farm plans to expand rainwater storage capacity for irrigation, decreasing reliance on mains water. Additionally, excess collected water will be redirected back into the river network during low-flow periods, reducing strain on natural water sources and supporting the broader ecosystem. Continued
Advice for others.
▷ Assess your farm's water usage, identify inefficiencies, and explore viability of options such as rainwater harvesting or alternative sources.
▷ If dealing with heavy soils, the installation of field drains can make land more accessible, as well as reduce waterlogging.
▷ Restoring existing ponds or creating new ones can enhance biodiversity presence on farm and further improve water retention.
▷ Involving local schools or community groups in water conservation initiatives helps raise awareness and fosters long-term environmental responsibility among younger generations.
▷ Plan/Budget for Future Water Needs- consider increasing storage capacity and integrating water recycling systems to minimise dependence on mains water and enhance resilience against climate variability.
Further information.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) in the UK delivers practical solutions and targeted support to enable farmers and land managers to take voluntary action to reduce diffuse water pollution.
Making Every Drop Count: Integrated approaches to more sustainable water management, LEAF, https://leaf.eco/farming/resources
Global Resources, Global Water Partnership, https://www.gwp.org/en/ learn/KNOWLEDGE_RESOURCES/Global_Resources/
Protecting the water supply for your crops, AHDB, https://ahdb.org.uk/ knowledge-library/protecting-the-water-supply-for-your-crops
Farmland habitats and their management, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/farming-advice/farminghabitats-and-their-management
Water quality protection for your farm business, CFE, https://www. cfeonline.org.uk/media/ogsfxv3v/water-quality-protection-leaflet-draft3.pdf
The water stewardship journey, WWF and M&S, https://www.wwf.org. uk/sites/default/files/2017-01/The%20Water%20Stewardship%20Journey%20 for%20Business%20with%20advice%20from%20WWF%20and%20M&S_0.pdf
Managing cattle and sheep during extreme weather events, AHDB, https://www.ahdb.org.uk/drought-reducing-heat-stress
Water advice for livestock farmers, Daera, https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/ articles/water-advice-livestock-farmers
Biobeds and biofilters, The Voluntary Initiative, https://www. voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/water/biobeds
Mulch systems and rotational no-till vegetable farming, AGRICOLOGY, https://www.agricology.co.uk/resource/mulch-systems-androtational-no-till-vegetable-farming/
Grassland and herbal leys – species guide, FAS, https://www.fas.scot/ downloads/grassland-and-herbal-leys-species-guide/
Waterwise on the farm, LEAF & Environment Agency, https://s3-euwest-1.amazonaws.com/leaf-website/waterwise-on-the-farm
A comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture, International Water Management Institute, https://archive.iwmi.org/ assessment/files_new/synthesis/Summary_SynthesisBook.pdf
