A new groundbreaking documentary, Farming The Flood, premiered this week at Plymouth Arts Cinema, shining a light on the farmers who are actively shaping the future of sustainable land management in the UK.
Made by South West-based filmmaker, Harrison Wood, and Dartmoor farmer, Nick Viney, Farming The Flood tells the stories of farmers who are turning the challenge of flooding into an opportunity for ecological restoration. These land stewards are embracing natural flood management techniques to restore biodiversity, improve soil health, and make their farms more resilient to climate change.
The film also explores the crucial opportunity for the uplands to play a part in flood mitigation and climate change, showcasing how these landscapes can be harnessed to slow water flow, reduce downstream flooding, and enhance carbon sequestration.
Wood said, “The farmers featured in this film aren’t waiting for top-down solutions – they’re taking action now. By working with nature rather than against it, they’re demonstrating how farming can be a key player in tackling environmental challenges.”
The film highlights practical, on-the-ground solutions being implemented by farmers across the UK, from reintroducing wetlands and floodplain meadows to innovative grazing techniques that restore ecosystems while maintaining productive farms. Many of these initiatives are funded through government and private grants, making them accessible to farmers of all backgrounds.
By showcasing these success stories, Farming The Flood aims to highlight that with the right support, anyone can implement these nature-based solutions and contribute to a healthier landscape.
The documentary features expert insights from co-director and landscape restoration specialist, Nick Viney, whose decades of experience in nature recovery provide essential context for these pioneering approaches.
Watch the Farming The Flood trailer here
There will be screenings around the southwest in the coming months and the whole film will be available on YouTube soon – more information here