Water Quality Research and Catchment Planning in the River Wye

Defra and Welsh government are tendering for a new research project on water quality in the River Wye. In particular, we want to gather evidence on the impact of agriculture in this catchment and identify actions which will help us tackle the associated pollution.

This project has the following aims:

1. Investigate the sources of the pollution and pressures affecting the river, in particular focussing on diffuse agricultural pollution

2. Study the impacts of changing farming practices and land management

3. Develop and test new ways to improve water quality

4. Understand best practice for undertaking research involving a complex stakeholder group

The project was announced the project in March 2025, details of which can be seen here.

Bidders should be able to demonstrate experience of all aspects of research planning, including developing effective methodology, stakeholder engagement, and project governance. Bidders must have experience in delivering ‘living labs’ research on farms.

They should also have a good understanding of agricultural practices and water quality, with knowledge of this catchment and stakeholders being an advantage.

This will be a high-profile programme of work, in which a variety of stakeholders (including ministers) take an active interest. Successful bidders will be expected to provide regular updates on emerging evidence and will work with officials to communicate interim findings.

The project is to be contracted through an open tender competition. It is expected to commence in February/March 2026 and will last for approximately 3-5 years.

The project is funded to cover £1M and we welcome consortia bids.

Supplier Engagement Event

Please note that we will be holding a joint Defra and Welsh Government supplier event on 17 December 2025 at 2pm. More information will be provided in due course.

If you or your organisation is interested in attending this event, please register your interest at:

WyeJointResearch@defra.gov.uk

All expression of Interest must reach Defra on or before Monday 15th December 2025 by 17:00pm