Farmers in Worcestershire are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to make practical improvements that benefit their businesses and protect local water quality.
Severn Trent’s Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS) provides grant funding and practical advice to farmers in its priority catchments.
Dr Jodie Rettino, catchment and biodiversity lead at Severn Trent, 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 that work both commercially and environmentally.
“Every farm is different, which is why STEPS is built around practical, adviser-supported conversations.
“The updated options have been designed to be clearer and easier to navigate, so farmers can understand what is available, what is most relevant to their system and how different actions could support local water quality.
“We want to help farmers make changes that deliver for their business, their land and the wider environment.”
The scheme focuses on improvements in six priority areas.
These include soil health, soil structure, watercourse protection, targeted input application, livestock management, and retaining soil and nutrients within fields.
An innovation option is also available for projects not covered by standard funding but which could still offer environmental and farm business benefits.
Dr Rettino urged farmers to contact their local Agricultural Advisor before applying to discuss eligibility and identify the most effective options.
She said: “Our advisors understand local catchment priorities so can work with farmers to identify practical improvements and support them to focus their application on changes that will make the greatest difference.”
Around 60 catchment areas are covered by the scheme.
Applications for the current round of funding close on December 11, 2026.
