Smarter Water Catchments

The Crane is the urban pilot catchment for Thames Water’s Smarter Water Catchments (SWC) initiative. CVP has ‘Key Partner’ status and is involved in the planning and delivery of associated projects.  Building on the well-established ‘catchment based approach’ (CaBA), the initiative seeks to add value by encouraging a wide range of partners to collectively deliver solutions to water and open space management issues that yield multiple benefits across a range of themes. Thames Water provided £3 million of funding to support planning and delivery activity over the first five years.

Thames Water’s Smarter Water Catchments methodology is as follows:

During the first year of the initiative (2021/22), various research projects were commissioned to establish an evidence base to inform future action.  The project reports can be found in the Library section of this website. In 2022/23 the Crane Valley Grants Programme was established to help support efforts to protect and enhance the Crane river system and its associated open spaces.   

Here are three case studies illustrating how SWC funding support has helped to protect and enhance the environment across the Crane Valley: 

Headstone Manor Park & Wetland Monitoring

Reclaiming the Riverside April 23 – Sept 23

Restoration and engagement for water voles, wetlands and woodlands

 If your organisation or local volunteer group is interested in applying for a grant from the Crane Valley Grants Programme, click on the button below: