Farmers in Northumberland are being offered an opportunity to take advantage of grants to help them protect and improve water quality and modernise their farms and equipment through a scheme run by Northumbrian Water. The water company launched Pesti-wise in 2015 as a collaborative initiative; working with farmers and growers within specific target sub-catchments to address the issue of elevated pesticide levels in streams and rivers, from which water is taken to produce drinking water. The Pestiwise programme has been designed to encourage people working near or around rivers in the Tynedale area, especially farmers, to help improve water quality and meet environmental standards. The company is supporting changes in the ways farmers spread slug pellets, and encouraging a change in the type of pellets they use, both of which are key to meeting environmental standards. The company is looking to work with farmers in the areas around the Whittle Dene reservoirs, in the Tyne Valley, building on work that has already started to gain support in the Warkworth area, with grant funding on offer to help with the purchase of specialist equipment. Farmers in the area can apply for grants of up to £15,000 to cover up to 75% of the cost of precision slug pellet spreading equipment.  To read more click here.