Natural Flood Management Work In the Cwellyn Catchment

Contractors get to work on a remote area in Eryri

This month we have begun a key phase of peatland restoration in the upper reaches of the Gwyrfai Catchment, aimed at strengthening the natural resilience of our landscapes and the downstream lakes.

Through the creation of a network of small retention pools and the strategic blocking of drainage ditches, we are slowing the movement of water into Afon Gwyrfai and ultimately into Llyn Cwellyn. These interventions are designed to:

• Retain more water in the upper catchment during heavy rainfall, reducing peak flows and the risk of flooding.

• Slow surface runoff, thereby lowering sediment delivery and nutrient loading into the lake.

• Restore peatland function — which not only helps moderate water flow but also captures carbon and supports biodiversity.

“It’s incredible to see how much difference small, natural interventions can make,
peatlands are often overlooked, but they’re one of our best defenses against flooding and climate change. Restoring them brings benefits for nature, farmers, and communities downstream.” said project officer Angharad Powell.

Project manager Angharad on site with contractors discussing suitable sites.

This work is more than an engineering project — it’s a nature-based solution that connects land, water, and people. As we move forward, we’ll continue to monitor the results and use the data gathered to guide the next phase of restoration across the catchment.