What projects have we agreed to fund so far?
Capital Funding:
- £2,494,400 to land use change
- £3,550,000 to septic tank replacement
Feasibility Grants:
- £301,650 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 over £150,000 in grant funding and loans of £3.5M.
Land use change (capital loan)
A South Norfolk farmer sought to reduce livestock activity and fallow part of his land. After initial discussions, it was agreed that short-term planting would be introduced to absorb residual nutrients left by the livestock.
To progress, the farmer provided several years of livestock records and considered the farm's location within a Nutrient Vulnerable Zone. 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.
A long-term agreement was established, ensuring the land would not be reused for livestock for at least the next 90 years. Monitoring compliance is straightforward - as long as no livestock are reintroduced, the conditions are met.
To formalise this commitment, the landowner signed a legal agreement with the local planning authority, guaranteeing adherence to the agreed land use conditions.
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.
Septic tank upgrades (feasibility grant and capital loan)
A septic tank provider based in Norfolk proposed upgrading household septic tanks to package treatment plants across the region. These modern treatment plants offer significantly improved performance, capturing more nutrients from wastewater compared to ageing septic tanks.
Further scientific analysis was required to calculate the amount of nutrient mitigation achieved per upgrade and to agree on a suitable model of treatment plant that met Natural England’s requirements.
The contractor is now installing a single approved model of package treatment plant. With its performance accepted by Natural England, there is no need for regular ongoing monitoring.
However, annual returns must be completed, and the treatment plants require regular maintenance and will eventually need replacing within the next 30 years. These long-term considerations have been fully accounted for in the project’s financial model.
This initiative highlights how upgrading essential infrastructure can deliver measurable environmental benefits while offering a clear and sustainable plan for long-term operation and maintenance.
Estate Diversification
Landowners are increasingly exploring ways to diversify and expand their income by developing a portfolio of environmental mitigation activities. These projects not only support nutrient neutrality but also deliver additional benefits such as carbon credits and biodiversity net gain.
In North Norfolk, a landowner approached the Nutrient Mitigation Fund with a plan to explore several wetland sites. Feasibility funding was provided to assess three locations, with a specialist consultant evaluating the viability of each site and estimating the potential nutrient loads that could be captured.
Building on this initial work, the landowner successfully secured further funding to upgrade over 40 septic tanks to modern package treatment plants. Inspired by this success, two neighbouring landowners have also applied to the Fund, with plans to upgrade more than 50 septic tanks between them.
This example demonstrates how a strategic and collaborative approach to land management can create a ripple effect, driving wider environmental improvements while supporting long-term economic sustainability for landowners.
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.
