The protection of precious UK river habitats will continue to be supported by a grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The next phase of the WWF-UK and Coca-Cola GB partnership will allow work to continue in the East Anglia region and, together with partners at Norfolk Rivers Trust and The Rivers Trust, it will focus on improving river health and encourage sustainable soil-sensitive farming practices. Coca-Cola GB is keen to continue its partnership with WWF-UK and support the work of Rivers Trusts, recognising that healthy river environments help supply drinking water, provide water needed to grow crops, creates energy and manufactures products – including drinks. Wetlands and lakes also offer flood protection for towns and cities. It is crucial to be tackling this now as the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with more than half of species declining since 1970. In England, 86% of rivers are failing to meet good ecological status. Making sure the people working the land are protecting and managing it for the benefit of the environment is essential to halting and reversing the decline. The partnership supports farmers and stakeholders in two major river catchments in East Anglia – the Cam and Ely Ouse and the Broadlands Rivers. Through on-the-ground work and expert advice, WWF-UK and Norfolk Rivers Trust will be helping famers to reduce the impacts of their crop production on the freshwater environment, including through reducing field run-off from tractor wheelings and promoting the use of cover crops to avoid run-off and nutrient leaching from bare winter soil. Liz Lowe, Sustainability Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain, says she delighted that the partnership has been extended. “Water stewardship is at the heart of our business, with water being the most important ingredient in all our drinks,” says Liz. “It is vital for us to protect the sustainability of our water for future generations. Our WWF partnership over the past six years has achieved some remarkable results, and we want to continue to show other businesses the positive impacts of water stewardship and nature-sensitive farming.” Lucy Lee, Head of Food and Landscapes at WWF-UK, says it’s crucial that we all work together. “The UK’s economy, particularly our agriculture, depends on healthy natural systems,” says Lucy. “That’s why it’s vital that farmers and other businesses come together to support the sustainable management of our landscapes." Click here to find out more about Norfolk Rivers Trust's Farm Advisors and their work in implementing Water Sensitive Farming projects.