Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project

A photo of representatives from multiple agencies and the farm cluster in a field next to a river

In a significant milestone for Defra’s flagship Landscape Recovery scheme, the Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project has progressed into the implementation phase.


What is the Evenlode Landscape Recovery project?

This is the biggest Landscape Recovery agreement so far and will seek to protect three major rivers from pollution and flooding, protect farmland and raise income from natural capital. This project will see farmers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire being paid to work together to restore habitats. Signifying a shift from short-term schemes to long-term land stewardship and landscape-scale recovery. You can read more on The Farming Blog


Who is involved?

Through the North East Cotswolds Farmer Cluster (NECFC) the project has been built and organised by farmers themselves and involves over 50 farms across the Evenlode River Catchment.

The Environment Agency have been the lead environmental administrator in the project's development. Now the project is moving into its implementation phase, we (the Environment Agency) will continue to support Natural England as they administer the delivery of the project.

Reaching the implementation phase of the the Evenlode project represents the culmination of collaborative work between the Environment Agency, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Defra and other partners since the Landscape Recovery Scheme launched in 2021.


What will the outcomes be?Field that is part of project area

The project will enable farmers to restore 3,100 hectares of priority habitat, across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire over 20 years, while still continuing to produce food. This will help slow water flows, improve river health, restore soils and reconnect habitats, delivering benefits for wildlife, downstream communities and safeguard the long-term resilience of farming businesses.


How has it been funded?

The project is to be awarded over £100m in implementation funding from Defra, going to more than 50 farmers and land managers over the next 20 years. This highly ambitious financial model will support the emerging water quality market and other environmental outcomes through a blend of public and private financing.

To find out more about the project visit Evenlode Landscape Recovery | The North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster


BlogDefra treasury visit to Pudlicote

Read about John Leyland's (Executive Director for Environment and Business) reflections on the project after visiting the site as part of the implementation launch Evenlode Landscape Recovery Scheme: Environment Agency Celebrates Partnership Working Success .

In a significant milestone for Defra’s flagship Landscape Recovery scheme, the Evenlode Landscape Recovery Project has progressed into the implementation phase.


What is the Evenlode Landscape Recovery project?

This is the biggest Landscape Recovery agreement so far and will seek to protect three major rivers from pollution and flooding, protect farmland and raise income from natural capital. This project will see farmers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire being paid to work together to restore habitats. Signifying a shift from short-term schemes to long-term land stewardship and landscape-scale recovery. You can read more on The Farming Blog


Who is involved?

Through the North East Cotswolds Farmer Cluster (NECFC) the project has been built and organised by farmers themselves and involves over 50 farms across the Evenlode River Catchment.

The Environment Agency have been the lead environmental administrator in the project's development. Now the project is moving into its implementation phase, we (the Environment Agency) will continue to support Natural England as they administer the delivery of the project.

Reaching the implementation phase of the the Evenlode project represents the culmination of collaborative work between the Environment Agency, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Defra and other partners since the Landscape Recovery Scheme launched in 2021.


What will the outcomes be?Field that is part of project area

The project will enable farmers to restore 3,100 hectares of priority habitat, across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire over 20 years, while still continuing to produce food. This will help slow water flows, improve river health, restore soils and reconnect habitats, delivering benefits for wildlife, downstream communities and safeguard the long-term resilience of farming businesses.


How has it been funded?

The project is to be awarded over £100m in implementation funding from Defra, going to more than 50 farmers and land managers over the next 20 years. This highly ambitious financial model will support the emerging water quality market and other environmental outcomes through a blend of public and private financing.

To find out more about the project visit Evenlode Landscape Recovery | The North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster


BlogDefra treasury visit to Pudlicote

Read about John Leyland's (Executive Director for Environment and Business) reflections on the project after visiting the site as part of the implementation launch Evenlode Landscape Recovery Scheme: Environment Agency Celebrates Partnership Working Success .

Page last updated: 13 Feb 2026, 04:50 PM