SOUTH West Water, once branded by an MP as ‘the worst water company in the country’, has been nominated for a national biodiversity award.

The company has been shortlisted for the Biodiversity Challenge Awards 2025, in recognition of its innovative ‘Upstream Thinking’ programme.

The awards celebrate standout projects placing biodiversity at the core of delivery, going beyond standard practice and compliance.

‘Upstream Thinking’ is a partnership initiative using science-led interventions such as peatland restoration, wetland creation, habitat management, and sustainable farming practices, to deliver measurable improvements in water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

It has helped improve 356,000 acres of land through better soil management, creating buffer strips and new woodland and wetlands, all designed to reduce diffuse pollution.

Award winners will be announced on September 24.