SWW shortlisted for biodiversity award

South West Water has been shortlisted for a major national award recognising its long-running commitment to protecting and enhancing nature across the region.

The company’s flagship Upstream Thinking programme has made the shortlist for the Biodiversity Challenge Awards 2025, which celebrate projects that place biodiversity at the heart of their work and go beyond standard practice.

Now in its 15th year, Upstream Thinking tackles pollution at its source by working with farmers, landowners and environmental groups to improve water quality and restore biodiversity.

Delivered in partnership with organisations including the Westcountry Rivers Trust, Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts, the South West Peatland Partnership and the University of Exeter, the programme uses nature-based solutions such as peatland restoration, wetland creation, habitat management and sustainable farming practices.

So far, the scheme has:

• Improved 144,000 hectares of land across South West Water’s catchments through better soil management, buffer strips, new woodland and wetlands.

• Part-funded the restoration of 5,000 hectares of peatland on Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor, improving water retention, locking in carbon and protecting rare habitats.

• Supported species including water voles, otters and marsh fritillary butterflies.

• Reduced sediment and nutrient run-off into rivers, cutting the need for downstream water treatment.

Monitoring has shown lasting improvements in the targeted areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of nature-based approaches.

Ciara Dysart, Assistant Project Lead for Upstream Thinking at South West Water, said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Biodiversity Challenge Awards and are pleased to see Upstream Thinking recognised alongside other impactful projects. This programme reflects our long-term commitment to working with nature and with our communities to deliver real, lasting benefits.”

Carolyn Cadman, Chief Sustainability and Natural Resources Officer at South West Water, added: “It has been wonderful to be part of the Upstream Thinking programme for the last 15 years in my current role and previously as a delivery partner at Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This programme delivers a win for water and wildlife and I’m thrilled that we have been shortlisted for this award.”

The winners of the Biodiversity Challenge Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the WWT London Wetland Centre on 24 September.