Friday December 19th 2025
Tweed River Champ 2025 Matt Griffin (Image: Phil Wilkinson)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A thoughtful Borders farm manager who puts the health of the River Tweed at the heart of his work has been richly recognised.
Matt Griffin, whose nature-inspired approach to agriculture is boosting land resilience and enhancing biodiversity, has been named the 2025 Tweed Forum River Champion.
Matt becomes the tenth recipient of the prestigious annual accolade, presented by the Borders environmental charity to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting preserving and enhancing the River Tweed and its surrounding natural, built and cultural heritage.
The River Tweed catchment covers 5,000 km² – 86% in Scotland and 14% in England – and, in addition to its environmental importance, supports over 500 jobs and contributes an estimated £24 million annually to the local economy.
Since 2021, Matt has managed four upland farms totalling 980 hectares at Neidpath Farms in Peeblesshire.
Recognising that soil health underpins both farm productivity and the quality of water that flows into the Tweed, he has introduced a series of nature-inspired measures across the suckler cow and breeding ewe enterprise.
The farms now operate their own worm farm and multiple composting bioreactors, producing organic matter that nourishes the soil.
A water purification system removes chemicals including chlorine from mains water before it’s used on compost, ensuring beneficial soil biology remains intact.
Matt also implemented adaptive multi paddock grazing, moving livestock through pasture in short intervals to mimic natural herding behaviour. This allows grasslands to rest, root systems to rebuild and soil to store more carbon.
Native trees and hedgerows have been planted to provide shelter for livestock, improve habitat connectivity and further enrich soil structure and biodiversity.
Tests have shown dramatic improvements including healthier soil with stronger root systems, more nutritious grazing and animals with better immunity. Reduced reliance on fertilisers and pesticides has cut costs for the business while delivering significant environmental benefits.
Improved soil structure also helps the land absorb and retain water, increasing resilience to both flooding and drought. Cleaner, better-filtered water now flows into the Tweed and enhanced biodiversity is evident with more insects and an associated rise in bird activity.
Matt also hosts visits for farmers keen to see and discuss the changes he has made and the lessons he has learned along the way.
He said: “I’m delighted to receive this recognition on behalf of everyone at Neidpath Farms. Our aim is to build a profitable, resilient and sustainable business that produces high-quality food, supports local jobs and restores the natural systems we all depend on.
“By improving soil health, we’re improving everything, from the diet of our livestock to water quality and biodiversity and it’s really rewarding to see these changes make a real difference.”
Speaking as she presented Matt with the Tweed Forum River Champion trophy, Tweed Forum chair, Debbie Playfair said: “The health of the River Tweed and its many tributaries depends on the land that surrounds them.
“Matt’s work at Neidpath Farms shows how thoughtful land management can deliver benefits far beyond the farm gate, including improved water quality, increased biodiversity and a landscape that is strengthened against climate pressures.
“Matt’s work, and his willingness to share the knowledge gathered as a result, makes him a truly deserving Tweed Forum River Champion.”
The Tweed Forum River Champion is chosen from nominations received from the public and from groups and organisations involved in the management of the river on both sides of the Border.
The eventual winner is decided by a judging panel and receives a beautiful, specially-commissioned trophy by Scottish artist Jane Raven and Nicko Dalton Design.
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