The tree-planting project helping to save our water

South West Water has planted nearly 100,000 trees over its ambitious target in the last five years to help combat climate change.

The water company set out to plant 300,000 trees by 2025 – which it has now greatly exceeded after planting 390,000.

By planting trees South West Water is creating woodland habitat which will help to combat climate change, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide homes and food for wildlife.

Trees play a vital role in enhancing water quality by acting as natural filters, reducing pesticide run-off into watercourses, preventing soil erosion, and slowing water flow.

Many of the trees planted have been delivered by South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme.

The project’s focus is on a proactive approach to water management which not only ensures the provision of clean water, but also promotes resilient and thriving ecosystems for future generations.

By reaching tree planting targets ahead of time, the company is demonstrating it’s not content to simply meet regulatory requirements but is instead leading with proactive, science-based environmental action.

A key partner of the Upstream Thinking programme is Devon Wildlife Trust, which has provided 45,729 trees – including species like blackthorn, hazel and oak.

These have been planted for farms and landowners across the region to help prevent run-off and improve natural water quality.

David Smith, Natural Resources Team Manager at South West Water, said: “Trees are amazing as they act like natural filters and prevent flooding by absorbing water. Our tree planting efforts help ensure slower and cleaner flows into rivers and our Upstream Thinking programme is proud to work with other partners in all the catchments we operate in. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us to achieve, and exceed, the five-year planting target.”

Emma Richardson, Director of Nature Based Solutions at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are so pleased to be delivery partners on South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme and for their support in delivering this important project to improve water quality and resilient water resources, along with the environmental benefits this brings for wildlife and people. We work closely with the Woodland Trust to be able to plant trees across our river catchments to make our rivers and streams healthier and climate resilient.”

South West Water has now committed to planting a further 300,000 trees from 2025-2030.

The Upstream Thinking project delivery partners include Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust, and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.