Update – Leven Catchment Farmer Network Launch

The Leven Catchment Farmer Network brings together farmers, land managers, and landowners within the Leven Catchment to share experiences, learn from each other, and collaborate on practical topics and projects like soil health, water management, crop rotations, fertiliser use, and more to support thriving farm businesses and landholdings.  

In mid-November 2025 the Leven Catchment Farmer Network meeting brought together local farmers at Loch Leven’s Brewery for an open discussion over a pie and a pint.  

After introductions and a short presentation on why Forth Rivers Trust has taken the initiative to facilitate the network, we explored farmers’ key challenges, interests, and ideas. Discussions ranged widely, with farmers expressing a strong interest in learning more about soil health, nutrient management, grazing techniques, water resilience, and integrating trees on farms. Ideas shared included soil testing and composting, rotational grazing, rainwater harvesting, and creating shelterbelts. We also discussed challenges and opportunities for water quality monitoring, the impact of rivers and water on agriculture, and strategies to reduce downstream erosion. 

Flipchart with farmers notes relating to challenges they face and farming practices or projects they are interested in learning about

Following the rich discussions and shared learning at the gathering, we’re excited to share the next steps for the farmer network. Between January and April 2026, we’ll be hosting three peer-to-peer learning events focused on the topics that sparked the most interest during the gathering: 

• Improving soil health to boost productivity 

• Grazing techniques to maximise grass growth 

• Exploring the pros and cons of different fertiliser inputs.  

• If any of these events sound interesting to you, then lookout for them on our events page here. More information on the Leven Catchment Collective, including the Farmer Network can be found HERE. 

If would like to sign up to the Leven Catchment Farmer Network then please do so HERE.