BackgroundThe Beacons Water Group (BWG) is a farmer led group and was established to replicate the approach of the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) in the Catskills, USA, adapted for a Welsh context. Working in partnership with Welsh Water, BWG is developing a range of initiatives for engagement with farmers and landowners as well as changing land management practices to deliver improvements to water quality through a reduction in diffuse pollution.The group is piloting initiatives which facilitate changes in agricultural practice that result in improved farm efficiency and / or resilience, provide clear benefits for raw water quality and are above the minimum regulation. It is looking to develop pilot projects that are targeted and replicable.The group evolved after a number of farmers attended initial meetings around the establishment of the BBMC and took part in subsequent engagement with representatives from WAC who visited Wales in March 2018. This resulted in a contingent from BWG visiting the Catskills in October 2019 to experience the approach first-hand.Beacons Water Group is now established as a Community Interest Company and is represented on the BBMC steering group.

Stakeholder - DCWW ( Dwr Cymru Welsh Water)2020 has been a year of consolidation for Beacons Water Group.The group became a registered Community Interest Company on May 13th 2020.The Covid-19 pandemic prevented physical meetings but presented opportunities for the group to collaborate remotely. After a brief period of adaption the group were able to meet more frequently for shorter more focused meetings and engage stakeholders who may not have been able to attend a physical meeting under normal circumstances.Budget limitations within DCWW, including as a result of Covid-19, have impacted potential funding for BWG activities, however, BWG acknowledge the unprecedented challenges and look forward to developing the partnership over the coming years.There has been frustration around the speed of progress for developing the project/relationship, but the group appreciate that this is a new way of working for both BWG and DCWW and we are learning valuable lessons that will hopefully influence future engagement between DCWW and the farming industry.The group met thirteen times via MS Teams, which included seven meetings with guest attendees. All BWG farms have shared field maps with DCWW and received hydrological mapping of their farms.Uptake of the full entitlement to Farming Connect funded soil testing and farm infrastructure reviews has been taken by all the BWG farmers.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration