The project is exploring innovative storage methods and structures for farmers to collaborate to manage and share water for mutual benefit.
"Climate change is having an adverse impact upon weather patterns, with prolonged periods of warmer weather, drought and flooding being predicted. At the same time, sources of water are reducing; abstraction licences are being reduced or withdrawn to protect both the environment and groundwater sources for public water supply," the group's statement said.
"Water is pumped away to the sea from lowland areas during times of seasonal surplus; at other times there is a need for water for crop irrigation and environmental purposes.
"In the future this might also include combinable crops in addition to potatoes and vegetables."
The project team includes MSC students from the University of Lincoln and Cranfield University who are working with local farmers.
The Black Sluice IDB and the Environment Agency are also involved.
"It is not directly related to Anglian Water鈥檚 proposed large public water supply reservoir close to the South Forty Foot but is aware of the project.
鈥淚t is not directly related to Anglian Water鈥檚 proposed large public water supply reservoir close to the South Forty Foot but is aware of the project. The loss of land and food production to the reservoir could be mitigated by enhancing the productivity of the remaining area.鈥�
Project statement
"The loss of land and food production to the reservoir could be mitigated by enhancing the productivity of the remaining area," the statement read.
This pilot project is part of Defra鈥檚 Farming Innovation Programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, and is running for 12 months from 1 November last year.