Smarter Water Catchment Initiative
Tabled 1 September 2026 by Freddie van Mierlo
That this House welcomes the launch of the Smarter Water Catchment Initiative led by the River Thame Conservation Trust in partnership with Thames Water; recognises the Initiative’s innovative approach to tackling multiple environmental challenges in a holistic way to achieve multiple benefits; notes its focus on the River Thame and the urban, natural and farmed ecosystems through which it flows; commends the collaboration between the River Thame Conservation Trust, Thames Water, and local stakeholders; further commends the Trust’s work with local people across rural and urban communities including volunteers, farmers and landowners to improve biodiversity across the river catchment; further recognises the vital role of farmers in delivering sustainable land management and environmental stewardship; further welcomes the use of nature-based solutions to improve water quality, enhance habitats and build climate resilience; further notes the significant success of Smarter Water Catchments during Ofwat's seventh Asset Management Plan period (2020–2025), which has demonstrated the effectiveness of partnership-led, catchment-based approaches in rivers such as the Chess and Crane, delivering measurable benefits for water quality, biodiversity and community engagement; also recognises the importance of improving public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of rivers and their wildlife; and supports the shared vision of a river catchment with healthy fresh waters and wildlife, valued by local people and resilient for the future.