Film Released Showcasing 15 Years of South West Water’s Upstream Thinking Programme

A new six minute film has been released celebrating fifteen years of South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme, highlighting its work to improve water quality and reduce pollution across the region.

A Look Back at Fifteen Years

The film gives an overview of the multi award winning programme, which began in 2010 and focuses on restoring peatlands and other habitats. Since its launch, the programme has worked with more than 2,000 farms to reduce manure, artificial fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides entering water courses.

Interviews feature partners from the South West Peatland Partnership, West Country Rivers Trust and the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Premiered at Roadford Reservoir

The film premiered at the Upstream Thinking Conference held at South West Water’s Roadford Reservoir on 7th November. Filmmakers Ocean City Media captured aerial shots of Dartmoor and Stithians Reservoir in Cornwall to help tell the story.

Over the last five years, £24.5m has been invested in nature based solutions, which the programme says continues to support cleaner rivers, healthier ecosystems and more efficient water services for customers and communities.

Voices from the Programme

CEO of Pennon, Susan Davy, said: “This film is a celebration of Upstream Thinking and all it has achieved over the last 15 years. What began as a modest collaboration has grown into a transformative force in water management, collaborative delivery and environmental gain.

“Today, Upstream Thinking encompasses ten partners and spans 25 catchments, including South West Water, Bristol Water and Bournemouth Water. This expansion reflects not only the scale of ambition but the strength of partnership at the heart of the programme. It is this spirit of collaboration that continues to drive innovation and impact.”

Morag Angus, Mires Manager at South West Peatland Partnership, added: “This Upstream Thinking film showcases how we all can work together to bring about important change for the environment.

“South West Water’s Upstream Thinking has been vitally important in enabling peatland restoration which is key to improving water quality, managing flooding, bringing back wildlife and improving water security.”

Watch the Film