Spongy landscapes: Supporting on-farm water stewardship

31 March 2026

If we want flowing rivers, safe bathing waters, clean drinking water and less stormwater deluging our homes, roads and businesses, we need to think seriously about how rainfall is managed as it falls on our rural landscape

CIWEM’s 'Spongy Landscapes' report compiles evidence from eight case studies that demonstrate the enormous benefit that farming with water in mind can have on flood resilience, river health, water resources and farm productivity.

The report also makes a series of asks to government for how on-farm water stewardship approaches can be embedded across our farmed landscapes - for the benefit of farm businesses, nature, downstream communities and wider society.

CIWEM members get early access to all our Policy Reports. Learn more about membership here.