A Catchment Based Approach

A catchment based approach is a scalable and inclusive, civil society-led initiative that works in partnership with Government, Local Authorities, Water Companies and more, to maximise the natural value of our environment. 
Catchment Based Partnerships, of which there are over 100 across England, work to achieve targets under the Government's 25 Year 'Environment Plan'.

Next WCP meeting



Confirmed Date

Wednesday, 4th October 2023

The conference room at FarmED , Station Rd, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton OX7 6BJ

Cotswolds Rivers Trust has a vacancy for a Trust Manager - please visit the https://www.cotswoldsriverstrust.org/trust-manager for more information on this full time role

Rivers and Wetlands Community Days, 13th March 2023

Held at FarmED in Shipton-under-Wychwood this conference brough together local speakers with a focus on the catchment partnership and the challenges facing our waterways. You can review the presentations by following the links below:

RWCD & CRT (Tony Bostock)                                    Rivers and Wetlands Community Days and Cotswolds Rivers Trust

WTT (Shaun Leonard)                                                 Wild Trout Trust

RT (Mark Lloyd)                                                            Rivers Trust

Thames Water (Richard Aylard)                                 Thames Water 

WASP (Ashley Smith)                                                   Windrush Against Sewage Pollution

ECP (Ann Berkeley & Eoghan Concannon)               Evenlode Catchment Partnership

WCP (Richard Knowles)                                              Windrush Catchment Partnership

Attendees at the Rivers and Wetlands Community Day

Windrush Catchment

Rivers flow across our countryside, through farmland, towns and villages, draining into larger rivers or the sea. They provide water to live and to successfully run businesses. Their flow helps to drain rainwater and prevent flooding. A healthy river means a better environment, greater wildlife diversity. In the past, their management was undertaken by Government, private companies and landowners, often operating in isolation. The pressures on our water resources have increased steadily over the last decades, and this isolation meant a less effective and less efficient management.

The result is a degradation of water quality. The solution is an integrated approach, coordination of efforts to improve and maintain our aquatic environment and protection of our precious water environment.

Windrush Catchment Area Map

The Windrush Catchment Partnership brings local knowledge and expertise together to deliver integrated development of catchment plans, underpinned by robust data and evidence. The aim is to deliver multiple benefits, including improvements to water quality, enhanced biodiversity, reduced flood risk and benefits to the local community including improved health and well-being. The partnership aims to develop a strong convening power, providing a local catalyst to bring together local and sectoral interests.

The principle focus areas include:

  • using and managing land sustainably
  • recovering nature and enhancing beaty of landscapes
  • connecting people with the environment to improve health and well-being
  • increasing resource efficiency and reducing pollution and waste
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