Riparian Corridor Creation on the Afon Gwna

We have just finished our riparian habitat scheme along the Afon Gwna in Ynys Môn (Anglesey), North Wales. The Afon Gwna suffers from constant pressure from agricultural use. Spawning gravel is smothered by sediment that is released from erosion and livestock poaching the riverbanks and riverbed. The Gwna drains into Llyn Coron - a lake classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which suffers from excessive levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. 

In total we fenced off 440m of livestock from entering the river and poaching it in the process. A alternative water source was then installed so that the livestock can still have access to the river’s water without having to enter the river. We will then head back in the Winter months to plant native trees and hedgerows along the riparian zone. 

By doing these works, we are:

• Protecting spawning gravels for migratory fish 

• Reducing sediment run-off to areas downstream 

• Reducing nutrient release into the river

• Creating habitat for wildlife 

• Providing shade for the river and livestock during the hotter months

• Stabilising the banks from erosion 

• Allowing the Afon Gwna to reach its natural state. 

Thank you to Natural Resources Wales for funding this project under the Inland Fisheries programme.