Irrigated agriculture is concentrated in the region, contributing 40% of England’s vegetable crop output, worth approximately £2.8bn a year. The region is also the driest in the UK and 30% of its land mass is below sea level, making it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Water Resources East (WRE) is pioneering an integrated approach to water resources planning to increase the resilience of the agricultural sector against drought and flooding and help meet demand to feed a growing population.
Our specialists are working with WRE to develop a bespoke framework for collaboration and shared decision-making by stakeholders from a wide range of industries. This will support the delivery of a long-term multisector strategy and plan that will define and prioritise the main vulnerabilities across the region and identify the best options to improve water and food security, as well as support economic growth and safeguard the environment.