Ridge to River – Landscape Recovery Project

The Herefordshire Ridge to River project, led by the Duchy Estate and Moccas Estate, is a landmark environmental restoration initiative supported by the Landscape Recovery Grant. This ambitious project unites around 20 local farms, including Lower Blakemere Farm, in a collaborative effort to restore ecological health, enhance sustainability, and tackle critical environmental challenges throughout the Wye Valley.

The project’s focus spans a wide range of goals, from improving soil health and restoring natural habitats to enhancing biodiversity and reducing pollution. By working collectively, these farms are contributing to the long-term recovery and resilience of the River Wye and its surrounding landscape, ensuring the sustainability of this vital waterway and its ecosystems.

Key Objectives of the Ridge to River Project:

• Habitat Restoration: Encouraging the growth of wildflower meadows, grass buffer strips, and hedgerows to attract pollinators, reduce runoff, and provide natural spaces for wildlife.
• Soil Health Improvement: Promoting regenerative farming practices such as reduced tillage and cover crops across participating farms to protect the soil from erosion and minimize chemical runoff into local water systems.
• Water Quality Enhancement: Reducing nutrient pollution and sediment runoff into the River Wye, which will help mitigate algal blooms and improve the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Project Timeline and Expected Results:

• Short-term (1-3 years): Early improvements in water quality and soil health, with the recovery of natural habitats and an increase in local biodiversity.
• Mid-term (3-5 years): A substantial reduction in nutrient runoff and erosion, leading to clearer waterways and healthier aquatic ecosystems.
• Long-term (5+ years): A fully restored, resilient landscape where sustainable farming practices are embedded, and wildlife corridors thrive, supporting a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Anticipated Environmental Impact Across the Wye Valley:

• Increased Biodiversity: Greater diversity in species across both land and water ecosystems, with restored habitats supporting a wide range of wildlife.
• Improved Water and Soil Quality: Cleaner river systems and more fertile, stable farmland that is less prone to erosion and chemical contamination.
• Enhanced Climate Resilience: A landscape better able to withstand extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, through improved ecological integrity.

While each participating farm, including Lower Blakemere, is making important contributions to these goals, the real strength of the Ridge to River project lies in its collaborative approach. Lower Blakemere’s use of regenerative farming methods, such as Johnson-Su bioreactors, Bokashi fermentation, and worm composting, is just one example of the innovative practices being looked at to restore soil health and contribute to the project’s larger objectives.

This initiative, guided by the Duchy and Moccas Estates, demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges on a landscape scale. By working together, the farms involved are not only improving their own operations but also ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the entire Wye Valley region. The Ridge to River project represents a shared commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations, with far-reaching benefits for the local community and the wider ecosystem. We can’t wait to get going.