Farmers in England will soon be able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help with carrying out practical works on their land that will boost the health of the country’s streams, rivers, meres and mosses.

Applications for the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) capital grant fund open on Friday 1 March, with the aim of improving water quality and reducing pollution from agricultural activity.

Up to £15.5 million is available for Natural England to distribute in 2013/14 through grants that will help fund capital works on farms.

Holdings situated within the CSF project's 79 catchment areas are eligible to apply, with the deadline for applications marked as Tuesday 30 April this year.

Robin Earle, in Strutt & Parker's Morpeth office, said: "Farmers and those managing land should work to maximise the quality of their water which will enhance the capital value of their holdings and offer opportunities for diversification through tourism and sporting income.

"The CSF Capital Grant Scheme offers farmers a great opportunity to undertake improvement works on the farm with the help of funding.

"The CSF programme demonstrates exactly the sort of practical local evidence, advice and training-based approach that we welcome from Defra organisations.  I recommend that those interested contact their local Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer or call 0300 060 1111."

Farmers from north Northumberland to south Cornwall and from East Anglia to west Cumbria can throw their hat into the ring, although grants will end up going to applications that best meet the scheme's priorities.

Projects that qualify for the funding, of which there will be over 40, include installing water troughs and managing pesticides to reduce groundwater impacts. Roofing manure and silage stores as well as works to keep livestock away from streams also fall under the umbrella.

Since the introduction of the scheme in April 2006, around £54m in grants for capital works has benefited more than 6,000 farmers and land managers.

In addition to grants, specialist training and advice is offered by the Catchment Sensitive Farming local team, which encourages changes in behaviours and practices by engaging with farmers through workshops, seminars, farm demonstrations, self-help groups and farm visits.