Creating Riparian Woodland on the Afon Braint

In March 2024, North Wales Rivers Trust delivered two riparian woodland schemes on the Afon Braint in Southwest Anglesey. The Afon Braint holds special significance as a habitat for both brown and sea trout (Salmo trutta), both designated as UK Priority Species (formally UK BAP).

The two schemes on the Braint have created nearly 2 hectares of riparian woodland, planted with over 1000 native deciduous trees. Over 800 sheep and 100 cattle have been excluded from accessing the river, this will help to mitigate the adverse impacts of overgrazing, bank erosion, and the introduction of harmful pathogens like E.coli.

These efforts are not only crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the river but also safeguarding public health, particularly concerning the local shellfish fishery in the Menai Straits.

The challenges posed by agricultural activities, particularly nutrient and soil runoff, have long been a concern for water quality within the catchment area, directly affecting the health of trout populations. The establishment of riparian woodland buffer zones stands as a crucial step towards mitigating these challenges, offering a myriad of benefits to the river ecosystem.

These woodland buffer zones serve as natural barriers, effectively intercepting runoff from adjacent lands, thereby reducing the influx of pollutants into the water. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in stabilising the riverbanks, reducing erosion, providing fish with shade and cover from predators; and increasing the supply of terrestrial invertebrates which are an important component in the diet of trout.