Restoration Round up

With much of Wales having been experiencing drought conditions, the importance of protecting and restoring our rivers has never been clearer. Healthy catchments are better able to retain water, support wildlife and build resilience to the increasing pressures of climate change. Over the last month, our team has been working with landowners across North & Mid Wales to deliver practical projects that will help improve river health for years to come. Here's a snapshot of what we've been up to.

Dyfi catchment

Rhododendron Ponticum lining the banks of the Afon Angell

As part of the restoration programme, work is underway to improve river connectivity by identifying opportunities to ease barriers to fish passage, allowing migratory fish to reach important spawning and nursery habitats. At the same time, invasive non-native species such as Rhododendron Ponticum are being removed from the riverbanks. Although attractive when in flower, rhododendron spreads rapidly, suppressing native woodland plants and reducing biodiversity. Its removal will help restore healthier river corridors, supporting wildlife and creating more resilient freshwater ecosystems.

Clwyd catchment

Bank erosion on the Afon Clywedog

In the Clwyd catchment, walkover surveys have been taking place with local landowners to identify opportunities for future river restoration. The focus has been on developing natural flood management measures, reducing the impacts of livestock on rivers and assessing barriers that prevent fish from moving freely through the catchment. These surveys help identify practical projects that can improve water quality, reduce flood risk and reconnect habitats.

Conwy catchment

Work is also progressing in the Conwy catchment, where walkover surveys are being carried out along the Afon Lledr. By working closely with landowners, we're identifying opportunities to deliver natural flood management projects, reduce livestock impacts and improve river habitats. These early assessments will help shape future restoration work that benefits both wildlife and local communities over the next 3 years.

Ynys Mon

Work is continuing across three key rivers on Ynys Môn: the Afon Braint, Afon Cadnant and Afon Gwna. Along the Afon Braint and Afon Cadnant, surveys are being carried out to identify opportunities for future restoration as part of the Mynydd i'r Menai project, helping to shape schemes that will improve river health and benefit wildlife.

On the Afon Gwna, work with local landowners is focused on reducing the impacts of livestock on the river and the wider catchment. This forms part of a larger project to improve the health of both the Afon Gwna and Llyn Coron by reducing pollution, protecting water quality and enhancing biodiversity across the catchment.