News

Severn Trent welcomed Robert Largan, MP for High Peak to Hope Valley recently, to see an exciting new project that will boost biodiversity across the Peak District.

The High Peak MP was given a personal tour of the scheme on Friday 30 October, which is being funded by Severn Trent and delivered in partnership with the Hope Valley Farmers group.

The project includes plans to improve soil health across 100 hectares in the Hope Valley area, which will bring big benefits for biodiversity above and below the ground.

This visit closely follows the launch of Severn Trent’s Great Big Nature Boost, a campaign which includes ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the entire Midlands region. These plans include:

•    Reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester);
•    Planting 1.3 million trees;
•    Restoring 2,000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.

Robert Largan MP, said: “It was great to learn more about the work Severn Trent and Hope Valley Farmers are doing to improve soil health in the Dark Peaks. It’s clear this is a fantastic partnership that will bring many environmental benefits to an area that’s world renowned for its natural beauty.”

Zara Frankton, Senior Catchment Management Scientist at Severn Trent, said: “We were delighted to welcome Robert to Hope Valley last week and explain the importance of the work we’re doing here. Healthy soil is vital for protecting biodiversity above and below the ground, supporting millions of different species.

“It also plays a key role in sustainable food production and mitigates the impact of climate change by reducing the risk of flooding and pollutions.”

Back in March, the water company announced plans to invest £1.2bn to improve the environment, help sustainability and to support its customers. The Great Big Nature Boost forms part of these plans, alongside its Triple Carbon Pledge commitment and further backs up its ambition to be a socially responsible business.