What projects have we agreed to fund so far?
Capital Funding:
- £2,494,400 to land use change
- £12,700,000 to septic tank replacement
- £3,000,000 to fitting of water saving measures
Feasibility Grants:
- £455,650.90 has been awarded for feasibility studies towards land use change, septic tanks, wetland creation, ditch management projects and development of carbon negative argi-tech products
Successful case studies
This initial set of case studies outlines projects that have already received grant funding and/or capital loans from NMF Norfolk.
Enhanced drainage ditch (feasibility grant)
A Breckland landowner aimed to intercept nutrient pathways from agricultural land, which contribute to eutrophication in sensitive aquatic habitats, targeting a 200m reach of a drainage ditch. The scheme employs the Enhanced Drainage Ditch Management framework and includes reengineering of the ditch.
NMF Norfolk awarded a £32,500 feasibility grant to the landowner (£15,000 for technical feasibility and surveys, and £17,500 for legal fees associated with the securing and sale of the credits). The approach demonstrates how strategic land management can deliver environmental benefits while enabling development in nutrient-sensitive areas by offsetting nutrient loads through scientifically validated mitigation techniques.
If you want to read more on this case study, the process, and the results, please click here for more information.
Land use change (capital loan)
A South Norfolk farmer was using land for outdoor pig farming, arable production, and hay cutting on marshland. He sought to reduce livestock activity and fallow part of his land in the Yare catchment. The site was assessed for both permanent and temporary nutrient mitigation, with nutrient reductions measured in kilograms of phosphorus and nitrogen. Scientific expertise was essential to finalise these figures and apply precautionary principles to ensure environmental safeguards were met.
NMF Norfolk provided financial support through a loan, enabling the farmer to implement and sustain this solution effectively. This collaborative approach demonstrates how strategic land management can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes while supporting local agricultural businesses in adapting to new sustainability requirements, and the opportunity to diversify income.
If you want to read more on this case study, the process, and the results, please click here for more information.
Septic tank upgrades (feasibility grant and capital loan)
A landowner in Breckland, located within the River Wensum Special Area of Conservation (SAC) nutrient neutrality catchment, aimed to reduce nutrient pollution by upgrading outdated septic tanks across its landholding. These upgrades were designed to generate permanent nutrient neutrality credits by significantly improving the treatment of wastewater from residential properties.
NMF Norfolk provided the landowner with a feasibility funding grant to undertake surveys and to test the viability of the project. After completion of the feasibility study, the landowner received a comprehensive installation quote from a contractor to complete the works. The NMF provided a capital loan to the landowner for the installation of works.
If you want to read more on this case study, the process, and the results, please click here for more information.
Land reversion (feasibility grant)
A landowner in Breckland sought to generate nutrient mitigation through the reversion of 158.03 hectares of arable land. The project aimed to reduce nutrient runoff (nitrogen and phosphorus) by ceasing intensive agricultural practices and converting the land to low-input greenspace.
The NMF awarded a £20,000 feasibility grant to the landowner for the completion of a land holding assessment to review potential nutrient credit generation. The grant allowed the landowner to assess if they had a viable project, at no cost to them, helping to de-risk before committing forwards.
If you want to read more on this case study, the process, and the results, please click here for more information.
Innovative solutions
While most funding so far has focused on wetland creation, septic tank upgrades, and land use change projects, new products and approaches are emerging both in the UK and internationally. Norfolk is increasingly becoming a location for field testing these innovations.
In addition to supporting established solutions, feasibility funding has been provided to a landowner with multiple sites across Norfolk. This funding will enable an initial assessment of each site's potential for reducing nutrient levels entering local rivers.
This forward-looking approach highlights how the Nutrient Mitigation Fund not only supports proven methods but also invests in exploring innovative solutions to address nutrient neutrality challenges effectively.
