WATER company United Utilities has entered an innovative new land management partnership with the RSPB at its Haweswater Estate.

It is aimed at integrating hill farming with habitat restoration to create more space for nature and improve drinking water quality.

The conservation organisation has taken the tenancy of Naddle Farm, an upland sheep farm of approximately 500 ha (1,250 acres) of enclosed farm and woodland, with substantial common grazing rights on the open fells. The vision is to improve biodiversity and water quality, while managing the land as a viable farm enterprise. The long-term project aims to restore a range of upland habitats including heath, broad leaf woodland and blanket bog. It will benefit wildlife and reduce the risk of erosion, which can affect raw water, making it more difficult and costly to treat.

Mike Fishpool, Haweswater Development Manager for the RSPB said: “By restoring upland habitats we aim to create a ‘win win’ situation for both wildlife and water. However, the lessons we learn from this project will only be relevant to the wider farming community if we integrate it with a viable farming system.

“To this end we have appointed experienced sheep farmer Richard Postlethwaite, to manage the agricultural business at Naddle Farm.

“Our tenancy of Naddle Farm forms part of our wider Lakes High Fells Futurescape, a landscape-scale conservation initiative in the North and East lakes, which seeks to work with others to inspire the creation of an upland landscape rich in wildlife, while respecting the history and traditions that have shaped the distinctive cultural heritage of the Lake District.”

Paul Phillips, United Utilities Catchment Manager for Cumbria including Haweswater and Thirlmere, said: “Haweswater is a hugely important source of drinking water. A quarter of the water we drink in the North West comes from here. Part of what makes it so good is the surrounding land, which is a natural filter. Farming this land sustainably helps make sure the water is clearer and cleaner, so it needs less costly chemically-intensive treatment. That’s got to be good for the environment and our customers.

“We’re hoping, with the RSPB, to show how a modern working farm can be sustainable while maintaining upland traditions and making money.”

The RSPB first became active at Haweswater in the 1960s following the return of golden eagles to the reservoir and, in 1987, entered a management agreement covering 499 ha (1,233 acres) of woodland, and a wardening and monitoring agreement over the remainder of the 10,000 ha (24,700 acres) estate. In November, the RSPB will also take a tenancy of Swindale Farm, another United Utilities land holding in the Haweswater catchment, which will be managed with similar objectives to Naddle Farm.