Open Rivers…

All of the team have been out and about across North Wales from the Dyfi to the Clwyd anlaysing weirs for potential removal or easements.

One of the big challenges we face in restoring freshwater ecosystems is re-connecting disjointed sections of streams which have been isolated by construction of in-stream structures. These structures can have profound effects on streams, acting as a barrier reducing, delaying, or altogether stopping fish or invertebrate movements, and disturbing geomorphological processes. This barrier effect is arguably greatest when rearing and spawning habitats of migratory fish are cut off.

Project officer Liam on the Clwyd - looking at the NRW fish pass and easements on the Clywedog with Rich Peirce and George.

These structures come in many forms ( weirs, culverts, dams) and were mostly constructed during the industrial revolution to power mills or divert water courses around infrastructure.

With regards to the former, many structures are now antiquated but their legacy remains interrupting ecosystem connectivity. Where possible connectivity is best restored by removing these structures, however, often there are reasons why a structure must remain in situ (e.g. heritage, aesthetics, infrastructure).

This above weir is the first easement Liam visited with the NRW team. Originally, this obstruction was a sheer 3-4m drop from the waterfall, blocking any movement up and down river from this location, which was an old mill. However, NRW implemented “steps” up to a large deep pool to allow fish to reach this point. 

CEO Laura out and about trekking the Dyfi catchment for barriers to fish migration.

This year over the summer the North Wales Rivers Trust are hoping to carry out some vital easement projects on the River Clwyd, Conwy, Dyfi and Ynys Mon catchments.

What is an easement project? An easement project removes barriers and obstructions to fish migration, increasing much needed habitat and opening up spawning grounds.

These types of projects typically focus on man-made obstructions, known as weirs, which completely prevent fish from migrating past them in both directions.

A former mill weir on the Dyfi catchment- side note look at that water!

With the ongoing decline in Salmon and Sea Trout and other species across our catchments, it is imperative that we improve the water quality and open up and create as much habitat as possible. It is only with a catchment based approach that we will see real change. This requires everyone working together to do their bit. From community volunteers, Welsh Government, landowners and of course the NWRT team out on the ground.

NRW Salmon and Sea Trout juvenile data from 2022, shows an ongoing decline in numbers across our catchment. With A being classed as excellent and F poor.

Check back here to see our progress and if you would like to support our work get in touch!