The three water companies Severn Trent Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water attend the MFFP steering group. All three water companies have reiterated their support and intention to provide significant funding for MFFP through the AMP8 period (2025-30). The procurement mechanisms are still to be finalised, as are the sums in question which will become known after the final Ofwat determinations (Dec 2024).

The Environment Agency continues to fund Natural Flood Management (NFM) restoration (£776k until May 2025), and to provide resource and technical input. EA have recently initiated a discussion about potential funding for further restoration works; that are no figures at present, but this is a further sign of their ongoing support for the work of the Partnership.

Corporate finance is playing an increasing role in MFFP’s business model, with significant funding and commitment from Nestlé and Rebel Restoration, as well as others. MFFP also receive generous funding from the Peak District National Park Foundation. Insofar as possible, and particularly with smaller contributions, MFFP blend this funding to achieve efficiencies and synergies of outcomes for all stakeholders.

MFFP are in discussion with National Highways regarding significant funding to deliver moorland restoration works within their sphere of interest, and see this as a significant project to operate in synergy with the 2025-30 AMP8 works.

MFFP still make use of grant funding. For example, a bid is soon to be submitted for the Water Recovery Fund, and is participating in Landscape Recovery Grant projects in Morridge and Calderdale. Two existing Nature for Climate projects are well underway and funded until March 2025.

Helicopter airlifting heather brash for conservation works
Image credit: Moors for the Future Partnership