Jenny Collins
As a fluvial geomorphologist, I seek to understand how natural processes shape and maintain rivers and their habitats. Sadly, most of our rivers have historically been modified and negatively impacted. I work across a range of sectors, including with the agricultural community, to identify opportunities to sustainably restore rivers.
There is a lack of experience and confidence in working with water, but a huge demand for services and knowledge. This inspired me to start Wild Environmental, a company that aims to build capability within the water industry and related sectors.
I have a passion for training and mentoring, so I deliver technical support, training and coaching relating to water management. To do this effectively, I draw on knowledge from my PhD, my experience from academic research and teaching, and practical experience in working for the private, public and third sectors in a range of consultancy roles.
Tapping into new revenue streams: physical and cultural river restoration on UK agricultural land
Central Region Farmers Trust
Study Overview
UK rivers are under growing public and media scrutiny. Around 60% of watercourses failing government targets are affected by agriculture. New policies such as Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality have stimulated private nature markets, offering opportunities for farmers to use low-productivity land, often on floodplains, to diversify income.
Farmers can create valuable river habitats that provide long-term private revenue streams. However, some ‘quick win’ restoration schemes ignore natural river processes, exposing farmers to financial and reputational risks, since they must maintain habitat benefits for 30 years. Lessons from similar habitat banking systems around the world highlight the need for process-led restoration, to ensure profit-driven interventions do not undermine the sustainability of agricultural businesses.
Western society and agricultural practices have largely become disconnected from the ‘riverscape’. Current UK water policy tends to overlook cultural restoration. Other countries have recognised a rivers’ legal personhood which has strengthened community relationships and fostered regenerative farming.
I will explore the interplay between physical and cultural restoration of rivers to provide evidence of sustainable, profitable and low-risk participation in nature markets for UK farmers. I will also identify opportunities to strengthen UK water policy to allow improved efficiency of river restoration delivery by the agricultural sector.
With many thanks to the Central Region Farmers Trust for their sponsorship