Afon Gwna Fencing Work

We recently worked on a project on the Afon Gwna on Ynys Mon as part of our Sustainable Fisheries work funded by Natural Resources Wales. Working with the landowner we were able to install 500m metres of fencing and install pasture pumps as an alternative drinking source.

These pasture pumps are raised off the ground in order to reduce the risk of TB by badgers and to make it easier for the cattle to drink.

Before After

How do fencing schemes help the river?

By excluding cattle from the watercourse, we can reduce the impacts of poaching (erosion) on the riverbank, which reduces the amount of sediment entering the river. 

Excessive sediment can harm rivers because it degrades aquatic habitats, by smothering fish spawning gravels, reducing water clarity, decreasing oxygen levels, and filling in channels. This has a negative impact on fish and invertebrate species, and impairs water quality. It can also lead to increased flooding risks, a reduction in biodiversity and increase pollution levels.

Working with farmers to reduce the agricultural impact on rivers is an extremely important part of our work, and can help improve the river environment both locally and further downstream.