What BWG Members say
Here's what our members have to say about the Beacons Water Group:-
Richard Roderick, Group chairman:
"The rapport and trust that has been generated within the Group is one of the most valuable outcomes from this group to date and shows that the whole is greater than the sum of all the parts."
"We have been able to generate a credibility that has allowed the Group to influence future policy and input to projects in other catchments. We are mindful not to make too many bold statements too soon, but to build robust evidence first. And we now have ability to share information and experience with other farmers."
Keri Davies:
"The key strength of the Group are the members themselves. We are from a diverse range of farms with a different range of skills, and we learn from each other. “We each have credibility and respect within the industry, and this helps when sharing knowledge with other farmers or with Government. The members all actively input to the activities and direction of the Group."
"For me, one of the most valuable outcomes has been the learnings that have enabled us to make our own investments in structures and facilities to protect drinking water quality."
David Thomas:
"We shouldn’t underestimate how much the Group has achieved so far in what we’ve learnt and the respect we’ve generated, particularly with Welsh Government and being able to engage with them on policy matters. We have considerable respect for each other and are able to discuss things openly with each other, and we’ve developed a lot of really good practical experience and knowledge. Now we’re at a point where we can look to expand that knowledge further and how we share it more widely/effectively."
Alun Thomas:
"Farmers are notoriously bad at working together, but though the BWG we’ve shown it can be done. The balance in the Group is very good and this could now be used as a blueprint to share our journey and replicate the model elsewhere. And the support from Nigel Elgar and funding from Welsh Water has enabled us to make changes and try technologies we probably wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. And we’ve been able to do it in a way that enables industry and others to take the results seriously."
Hugh Martineau
"It’s great to have a forum for discussion and collaborative activities and it’s good to explore innovation and challenge each other."