Severn Trent has updated its Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS) to make it easier for farmers and landowners to make improvements that benefit their businesses and protect local water quality.
Farmers in its priority catchments are being encouraged to speak with their local agricultural advisor, as this year’s round of STEPS opens for applications.
STEPS provides grant funding and practical advice to help farmers make improvements that benefit their businesses and protect local water quality. The 2026 scheme has been updated to make the options clearer and easier to navigate, helping farmers identify the most appropriate actions for their land, farming system and local catchment priorities.
Severn Trent is looking to work with more farmers across approximately 60 priority catchments, supporting practical changes in six key areas that can help reduce the risk of nutrients, pesticides, soil and other pollutants reaching rivers, streams, groundwater and boreholes as well as save money by identifying where soil or inputs are being lost.
The scheme supports practical improvements in six priority areas:
- Improving soil health
- Improving soil structure
- Protecting watercourses
- Applying inputs in the right place at the right time
- Working in harmony with livestock
- Keeping soil and nutrients in the field.
Farmers can also apply through a bespoke innovation option, to help fund ideas not covered by the standard scheme but one that could still deliver practical benefits for the farm and for water quality.
Flexible support
Dr Jodie Rettino, Severn Trent catchment and biodiversity lead, said the refreshed scheme is designed to help farmers choose the right actions for their farm.
“At a time where all farmers are facing cost pressures, uncertainty around public funding, changing environmental expectations and increasing scrutiny around inputs, nutrients and water quality. STEPS funding offers flexible support to help farmers make improvements that work both commercially and environmentally” she said.
“Every farm is different, which is why STEPS is built around practical, adviser-supported conversations.
“The updated options have been designed to be clearer and easier to navigate, so farmers can understand what is available, what is most relevant to their system and how different actions could support local water quality.”
Farmers should contact their local Severn Trent agricultural advisor before applying to check eligibility and discuss which options are most suitable for their farm and catchment, she advised.
“Our advisors understand local catchment priorities so can work with farmers to identify practical improvements and support them to focus their application on changes that will make the greatest difference,” she added.
How to apply
- Check whether your farm is in a Severn Trent priority catchment.
- Speak to your local Severn Trent Agricultural Advisor before applying.
- Discuss which options are most suitable for your land, farming system and local catchment priorities.
- Complete your application online at www.stwater.co.uk/steps.
Farmers can find out more about STEPS, check their eligibility and access application information by visiting www.stwater.co.uk/steps.
Applications close on December 11, 2026.