South Forty Foot Water Bank

The Outline

Climate change is having an adverse impact upon weather patterns, with prolonged periods of warmer weather, drought and flooding being predicted. As a result the need for improved water management is increasing however land is used.

These changes will increase the requirement for water for the irrigation of high value crops and non-traditionally irrigated crops are also more likely to have an economic response.

At the same time, sources of water are reducing; abstraction licenses are being reduced or withdrawn to protect both the environment and groundwater sources for public water supply.

WHAT IS THE BIG IDEA?

Water is pumped away to the sea from lowland areas during times of seasonal surplus; at other times there is a need for water for crop irrigation and environmental purposes. This is costly and wasteful.

Is there a better way of using this water, storing it when in surplus for use later in the season? If successful it would improve the sustainability and resilience of our food supply whilst having environmental benefits including the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The project area covers about 6500ha of controlled water level fen to the west of the South Forty Foot River. It relates to novel and innovative methods of storing water for use in the irrigation of more arable crops as well as for environmental benefits.

It is not directly related to the proposed large public water reservoir close to the South Forty Foot but the loss of land and food production to the reservoir could be mitigated by enhancing the productivity of the remaining area.

If successful it would improve the sustainability and resilience of our food supply whilst having significant environmental benefits including the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

This pilot project is funded by DEFRA and Innovate UK and runs for 12 months from 1 November 2023.

WHO’S INVOLVED?

The project is led by David Matthews, a local farmer and contractor with a long interest in water management and history of using water to grow high value crops.

He is supported by a team with a wide range of experiences including the University of Lincoln and Cranfield University. The Black Sluice IDB and the Environment Agency are also involved.

Pro-active farmers such as Thetford Farm Estate who are in the project area are also involved, to interact with students and share their ideas with the project team.

David Matthews, Project Leader 07768 245113