Join us at the Members Pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground for this conference:

What is Waterwise?
Waterwise Wales is a CLA Cymru-led initiative dedicated to ensuring sustainable water management across rural Wales. The programme recognises that water is a vital shared resource, essential for farming, industry, biodiversity, and rural communities. It addresses key challenges such as soil erosion, water pollution, flooding, drought resilience, and regulatory alignment, offering practical solutions to support landowners, farmers, and businesses in adapting to changing water demands.
The programme is built on the principles of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making, bringing together farmers, policymakers, environmental groups, and researchers to create solutions that work in practice, not just in policy.

The Conference
The Waterwise Conference 2025 will bring together stakeholders from farming, environmental conservation, policy, research, and industry to address Wales' critical water management challenges. The event will explore solutions for improving water quality, tackling soil erosion, promoting sustainable land and water use, and aligning farming practices with regulatory and environmental objectives.
We would be honoured if the Deputy First Minister (DFM) would deliver the keynote address, reinforcing Wales’ commitment to sustainable water management, collaboration, and data-driven policy solutions.

Conference Objectives
• Assessing Welsh Progress – Evaluating data gaps, monitoring frameworks, and regulatory effectiveness
• Best Practice in Sustainable Water Management – Showcasing practical solutions and real-world farm case studies
• Collaborative Action – Bridging the gap between regulators, farmers, environmental bodies, and commercial stakeholders
• Regulatory and Financial Barriers – Identifying challenges and opportunities for government and private-sector investment

What Have We Done So Far?

1. Engaging Farmers and Landowners
Waterwise has already worked with Welsh farmers, estates, and land managers to identify challenges and best practices in water management. Through regional discussions, case studies, and pilot projects, we are building a knowledge base of practical solutions that balance environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Key projects include:
• Usk River Catchment Case Study: Examining erosion issues and practical farm-level interventions.
• Brecon Beacons Water Group: Working with farmers to prevent soil loss and improve water retention.
• Collaboration with Farming Unions (NFU Cymru, FUW): Aligning agricultural water management with evolving Welsh policies.

2. Cross-Sector Collaboration
Waterwise has brought together regulators, scientists, industry leaders, and environmental groups to ensure a cohesive, science-driven approach to water policy. This includes:
• Working with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to assess current compliance and regulation effectiveness.
• Partnering with research institutions like Lancaster University on data modelling and monitoring tools (e.g.      Rephocus/Harmonica project).
• Engaging with the private sector (M&S, Welsh Water, Severn Trent Water, Puffin Produce) to explore funding for water improvement initiatives.

3. Policy Development and Advocacy
Waterwise is shaping policy by:
• Contributing to discussions on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and its implications for water use.
• Advocating for evidence-based regulation that supports both environmental and economic sustainability.
• Promoting voluntary, incentive-led approaches over punitive enforcement.

FULL AGENDA TBC - BOOKINGS WILL OPEN SOON

Lunch & refreshments will be provided - any dietary requirements please confirm
Free parking on site
Welsh translation service in operation for the event

Any questions for the above event please contact - Sarah Davies, Events Manager on 07817 128277 or Sarah James, Policy Advisor on 07971 556369