Farmers ditch deadly sprays to save our waterways

FARMERS are swapping harmful chemicals for nature-friendly practices to reduce pollution in rivers.

- Steph Spyro

Run-off from agriculture is one of the biggest polluters of waterways in Britain, with 83% of English rivers having evidence of contamination from sewage and farming.

Now farm manager Matt Griffin, 46, is on a mission to "rewild soil" and ensure clearer water runs into the River Tweed at Neidpath Farms in Peebles, Scotland.

He said: "We are awakening the soil. It's a fantastic opportunity to create a sponge for water and carbon. Alongside our mob grazing, we are growing fungi-rich compost to amend the soil.

"We are changing our ability to hold on to water in the landscape.