A NEW film 'Farming the Flood' showcases how Dartmoor farmers are using nature-based techniques to combat flooding.

Created in partnership with the Dartmoor Headwaters Project, the documentary will be released live to the public on June 5 via YouTube.

The film demonstrates the role farmers can play in increasing resilience to flooding whilst restoring biodiversity, while aligning with their business interests.

Made by South West-based filmmaker Harrison Wood and Dartmoor farmer Nick Viney of Leewood Studios, the film tells the stories of farmers who are actively shaping sustainable land management across the UK.

The film has been jointly funded in partnership with Dartmoor Headwaters Project and Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The Dartmoor Headwaters Project is a partnership of the Environment Agency, Dartmoor National Park authority and Devon County council.

The Dartmoor Headwaters Project offers farmers and landowners in the Okement, Bovey, Dean Burn, Mardle, Erme, Yealm, Colleybrook, and Blackbrook catchments support to design, fund and deliver nature-based solutions.

Filmmaker Harrison Wood said: ‘The farmers featured in this film aren't waiting for top-down solutions – they're acting now.

‘By working with nature rather than against it, they're demonstrating how farming can be a key player in tackling environmental challenges’.

Co-director Nick Viney, a landscape restoration specialist with decades of experience in nature recovery, provides expert context for these pioneering approaches throughout the film.

'Farming The Flood' highlights that many of these initiatives are accessible through government and private grants, making them available to farmers of all backgrounds and scales.

Pamela Woods of Dartmoor National Park said: ‘The effects of flooding can be devastating, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, roads and nature: by 2070 we are predicted to experience 30% more rainfall, resulting in 41% higher river flows.

‘The film conveys complex issues in a positive way while showing how support and funding can help people deliver nature and climate-based solutions.

‘It is wonderful to see the vital role moorland farmers play in mitigating the risks of flooding’.