Site and event overview
Norfolk FWAG held a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) workshop and farm visit on 10 December 2025, based at the Jubilee Hall in Bungay, followed by a visit to Kirby Cane Hall Farms. The event brought together farmers, landowners and representatives from several River Trusts, providing an opportunity to explore how NbS can support farming resilience, water management and environmental outcomes across Norfolk.
The workshop was funded by the Royal Countryside Fund and formed part of Norfolk FWAG’s ongoing work to promote practical, collaborative approaches to land management in a water-stressed county.
Guest speakers included Hannah Gray (Water Resources East), Sam Hurst (Norfolk Rivers Trust) and Professor Kevin Hiscock (University of East Anglia).
Workshop and presentations
The event was opened by Henry Walker of Norfolk FWAG, who introduced the purpose of the workshop, the guest speakers, and the partnerships supporting the delivery of Nature-based Solutions across the county.
Hannah Gray, Programme Manager at Water Resources East (WRE), outlined how WRE is planning for the future of water management in Norfolk. Her presentation focused on improving water quality and increasing water availability through the capture and storage of winter rainfall, including the use of reservoirs for agricultural abstraction. Hannah also highlighted the role of emerging technologies, including AI, in identifying suitable locations for water storage, alongside the importance of encouraging locally delivered Nature-based Solutions.
Professor Kevin Hiscock from the University of East Anglia then discussed current NbS research and outlined five key Nature-based Solutions with the greatest potential benefits for Norfolk landowners:
- Runoff Attenuation Features (RAFs)
- Soil management practices
- Land-use change
- Floodplain reconnection
- Riparian restoration
Kevin demonstrated how RAFs can be implemented on farms to slow water movement, reduce surface runoff, capture sediment and allow water to infiltrate into soils, helping to recharge groundwater and reduce pressure on river systems.
On-farm delivery at Kirby Cane Hall Farms
Sam Hurst of the Norfolk Rivers Trust (NRT) explained the Trust’s role in supporting farmers to design and deliver Nature-based Solutions and showcased this work during the afternoon farm visit to Kirby Cane Hall Farms.
In 2020, Henry Walker was developing a Countryside Stewardship (CS) application with the landowner when an opportunity for collaboration with NRT was identified. The landowner was introduced to NRT, who worked alongside FWAG and the estate to deliver NbS measures that complemented the resource protection options within the CS agreement.
The interventions included leaky dams, sediment traps and in-ditch online storage areas, all designed to reduce water velocity during periods of heavy rainfall. These measures help slow flows, reduce erosion and limit the movement of sediment into downstream watercourses.
In fields identified as being at higher risk of erosion, sediment traps were installed within grass buffer strips, supported by earth bunds planted with hedgerows. Runoff from adjacent fields is directed into field corners, allowing sediment to settle out of suspension while water infiltrates back into the soil profile. These features function as Runoff Attenuation Features, as discussed earlier in the workshop, providing a clear practical example of NbS in action.
Outcomes and learning
The farm visit enabled attendees to see first-hand how Nature-based Solutions can be integrated into working farms, delivering benefits for water quality, flood risk management and soil protection, while remaining compatible with productive agriculture. Landowners gained a clearer understanding of how RAFs and associated measures can reduce runoff and erosion, capture valuable sediments and return nutrients back to the land.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of seeing practical examples that could be adapted and implemented on their own farms.
What’s next?
Norfolk FWAG will continue to deliver events, workshops and farm walks to support farmers and landowners in adopting Nature-based Solutions across the county. By encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration, FWAG aims to help land managers improve water storage, manage flood risk and promote good farming practices that enhance both farm resilience and the natural environment.
In a county facing increasing water stress, events such as this play a vital role in demonstrating how Nature-based Solutions can support farming, nature and communities together.
For more information about Nature-based Solutions and Norfolk FWAG’s work with farmers, please contact Henry Walker at henry@norfolkfwag.co.uk
