Caru'r Cynfal- Calls for Full Ecological Impact Study

Community Calls for Full Ecological Impact Study on Proposed Cynfal Hydro Scheme

On Valentine’s Day, local residents, ecologists and community members gathered along the beautiful Afon Cynfal to show our love for this extraordinary river.

We walked from the valley floor up to Rhaeadr Ddu, listening to specialists in lichens, bryophytes and local history, each highlighting the remarkable ecological and cultural richness of this place.

We also heard from our very own NWRT Elis Williams, who spoke passionately about the Cynfal’s critical role as a spawning and nursery river for endangered Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout. The Cynfal is one of the few last functioning nursery systems in the region — a stronghold in a time when salmon populations across Wales are in serious decline.

The proposed hydroelectric scheme would divert up to 70% of the river’s natural flow in order to generate a relatively small amount of electricity. Such a reduction in flow would not simply lower water levels — it would fundamentally alter the river’s hydrology.

Reduced flows can:

• Lower dissolved oxygen levels

• Increase water temperatures

• Smother spawning gravels through sediment deposition

• Reduce invertebrate abundance, affecting the entire food web

• Disrupt the spray-dependent habitats that support rare lichens and bryophytes

• Fragment habitat used by fish and other wildlife

Hydrology is the heartbeat of a river. When flow is reduced at this scale, the ecological consequences can extend far beyond the diverted reach.

Many of us believe that diverting up to 70% of the Cynfal’s natural flow could place at risk a significant proportion of the wildlife and habitat that depends on it.

On a day traditionally associated with love, we came together not just to admire the beauty of the Cynfal — but to defend it.

We now call on Natural Resources Wales to undertake a rigorous, independent and comprehensive ecological and hydrological impact assessment before any decision is made. This study must fully consider:

• Impacts on endangered salmon and sea trout recruitment

• Effects on invertebrate communities and river food webs

• Consequences for the SSSI designated bryophytes and lichens reliant on natural spray regimes

• Long-term cumulative impacts under climate change

• Whether the ecological cost outweighs the limited energy gain

The Cynfal is not simply a site for development — it is a living, functioning ecosystem of regional importance.

Meeting on Valentine’s Day was symbolic. The community love this river
and believe its natural flow must be protected for future generations.

Diolch to Rory Francis and the community for organising such an informative day.