Practical Water Management For Shrewsbury Landowners
Deployment Stats
Separate farms
These farms were able to monitor and collaborate along with researchers in one place, enabling catchment issues to be addressed seamlessly across farm boundaries.
Hectares of catchment monitored
Delivering an unprecedented view of the sub-catchments in real-time and the ability to understand causes of impacts far better than previously possible.
Daily in-water readings
Readings captured by our in-water sensors and presented on the dashboard each day, resulting in over 1.1 million unique readings by the end of the project.
The need for actionable data
In the Shrewsbury catchments of Pontesford Brook, East Onny, and Cound Brook, the local farmers have long recognized the impact their agricultural practices could have on local watercourses. Previous projects have sought to improve river water quality and enhance biodiversity for future generations. Despite these positive efforts, existing and previously used tools for monitoring water quality were often too slow, expensive, or complex, limiting their ability to take timely interventions or be informed by baselining efforts.
The landowners needed accurate, real-time data to better understand the impacts of interventions and to identify sensitive areas of the catchment. Without this data, it was difficult to pinpoint issues or make informed decisions that could mitigate negative impacts.
Comprehensive monitoring
FreeUP provided a robust solution by deploying over twenty water sensors across multiple farms within the catchments. These sensors monitored key metrics such as turbidity, color, temperature, and biohabitat conditions. The data collected was immediately accessible through an easy-to-use dashboard, allowing farmers to monitor conditions in real-time.
This project also involved quarterly workshops facilitated by Lizzie Holton Harrop, where data from the sensors and biodiversity information from Harper Adams University were discussed. These workshops were crucial for turning data into practical actions. Farmers were able to share insights, discuss challenges, and plan targeted interventions to improve water quality.
Key Findings
- The data showed that biohabitat conditions were suitable in rivers for fish populations, addressing concerns about ecosystem health and laying the foundation for a follow up Government bid.
- The sensors revealed unexpectedly low water levels during the summer months, highlighting a water quantity issue that had not been previously identified. This finding led to new considerations for managing both water quality and quantity.
- The project identified specific areas within the catchment that had a disproportionate effect on downstream water conditions. By focusing efforts on these areas, farmers could maximize positive outcomes and prevent potential negative impacts.
Comparative analysis and simplified metrics
FreeUP integrated government data to compare the Shrewsbury sub-catchment with neighboring catchments. This comparative analysis provided valuable context for understanding the relative health of their catchment.
Additionally, the complex water quality data was simplified into five key metrics, making it easier for both farmers and academics to interpret and use.
Features
Non-technical
Our sensors can be easily used by landowners without training greatly increasing the amount and ease of real-time data collection.
Minimal maintenance
Our hardware has been specifically developed to work well on farm, it self cleans, is highly resistance to livestock and requires little looking after.
Collaborative platform
FreeUP’s system facilitates ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that data leads to actionable decisions and tangible outcomes, unlike other systems that stop at data reporting.
Easy data interpretation
Water quality metrics are simplified so that our approach is accessible to all.
Other hardware
Data from data loggers or handheld devices can be uploaded to the platform enabling projects to build upon the resources they already have rather than starting from scratch.
Farmer observations
Any observation or measurement can be uploaded, seamlessly incorporating farmer knowledge, livestock movements and tests such as infiltration, etc.
Testimonials
FreeUP technology must be the way forward if we are to better manage our water courses and water generally. We understand that climate change is having a major effect on the weather and ultimately that means a change in behaviour of water courses and all the biodiversity within them. Understanding and ultimately managing them better is essential to our future. [] FreeUP illustrates very clearly to us when the water is in crisis.
We’ve learnt a lot about how the sensor works in the environment over the last year and the data has been enlightening. Being able to connect changes in the environment to activities on the land has been very useful. [] It’s also better to have a full picture of what is happening across a year at times when you wouldn’t usually connect samples.
Explore How FreeUP Can Support Your Project
As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressures to manage water quality and environmental compliance, finding a reliable and cost-effective monitoring solution is essential. FreeUP’s technology has consistently delivered in demanding conditions, offering real-time data that empowers both farmers and project facilitators to meet regulatory requirements and optimise operations in a changing climate.
Explore how FreeUP can enhance your water quality monitoring efforts? We’re here to support your projects. Reach out to us at info@freeup.world or click the button below to get in touch and discuss how we can work together for better outcomes.