Afon Wygyr Project completes

The North Wales Rivers Trust (NWRT) has completed its latest phase of restoration on the Afon Wygyr, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and strengthening the local community’s connection to the river. This work, funded by Anglesey Council’s AONB Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places (SLSP) fund, marks the final year of a project aimed at tackling key pressures on the river and enhancing public access.

A major focus has been making it easier for migratory fish, such as sea trout, to move upstream. Modifications to a weir near the estuary have improved water flow and created better conditions for fish passage. To reduce riverbank erosion and pollution from livestock, NWRT installed fencing, a livestock bridge, and alternative drinking sources, helping to protect water quality while maintaining farm access.

Alongside habitat restoration, the project has improved a permissive footpath along the lower Afon Wygyr, strengthening links between the river and the local community. This included new waymarking, clearing overgrown sections, and installing a trout-themed bench, designed with input from children at Ysgol Cemaes, whose school backs onto the river. Pupils visited the site to see their designs brought to life and learn more about the work done to improve the river.

Since 2022, the project has restored over a kilometer of riparian habitat, planted 850 trees, and eliminated livestock access to key sections of the river. However, water quality challenges remain, with pollution from agriculture and wastewater continuing to impact the Afon Wygyr and Cemaes Bay.

NWRT thanks all partners, funders, and volunteers who contributed to this work. While this phase has come to an end, efforts to protect and improve the river will continue.