A new farming "cluster" has been launched to help landowners work together for nature across an entire Norfolk river valley.
The project area covers about 12,000 hectares alongside the River Tud, a tributary of the Wensum which flows from south of Dereham to Costessey, outside Norwich.
The new cluster group aims to bring together farmers, landowners, environmental bodies, volunteer groups and community stakeholders - all collaborating to promote sustainable farming practices, improve biodiversity and link up environmental efforts.
Workshops, seminars and field days are planned to help farmers share knowledge and learn about the latest advances in agricultural science and technology.
The two-year funded programme of events is expected to explore topics such as river restoration, habitat creation, soil health, pond restoration and carbon sequestration.
Sasha Wells, a farm environment adviser at Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), is the facilitator for the new River Tud Farming Cluster.
"This is a great opportunity for farmers in the Tud catchment to come together and discuss landscape scale solutions to the challenges facing the river Tud," she said.
"This comes at an exciting time in helping farmers access emerging nature markets across Norfolk."
The creation of the River Tud Farming Cluster adds to a growing list of similar initiatives in Norfolk, including the North Norfolk Coastal Group, the Waveney Farming Cluster, and the Breckland Farmers Wildlife Network.
Some have gone on to explore large-scale Landscape Recovery opportunities, funded by long-term government payment agreements.
The River Tud Farming Cluster, funded through Anglian Water's Get River Positive scheme, already has eight members and is seeking more farmers and landowners based within the project boundaries.
An online introductory meeting is taking place on March 26, followed by an in-person meeting on April 25. For more details see the Norfolk FWAG Eventbrite page.
For more information about the River Tud Farming Cluster see www.norfolkfwag.co.uk or contact advice@norfolkfwag.co.uk.
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