Uwch Conwy Project

North Wales Rivers Trust recently attended a visit to the Uwch Conwy project, hosted by the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The Uwch Conwy project was originally set up to improve the habitat of the river, but it has had numerous other benefits, from water quality improvements to natural flood management. This visit has given the North Wales Rivers Trust team inspiration for its own natural flood management (NFM) plans across North Wales.

The Uwch Conwy project is located in Snowdonia National Park and is a prime example of how nature-based solutions can be used to address multiple issues at once. The project was designed to improve the river's habitat by planting trees and restoring degraded areas of the riverbank. However, it has also had a positive impact on the river's water quality and has been effective in reducing the risk of flooding downstream.

The North Wales Rivers Trust team was impressed by the innovative approach used by the Uwch Conwy project and the multiple benefits it has delivered. The visit provided an opportunity for the team to learn from the National Trust and NRW's experience and to consider how similar approaches could be used to improve rivers and reduce the risk of flooding across North Wales.

One of the key takeaways from the visit was the importance of collaboration. The Uwch Conwy project involved multiple stakeholders, including local farmers, landowners, and conservation groups, who worked together to deliver a solution that benefits everyone. The North Wales Rivers Trust team contributed to the ditch blocking on the Mignient several years ago. As an organisation we recognise the importance of working with local communities and stakeholders to deliver effective NFM solutions.

The Uwch Conwy project also highlighted the importance of taking a holistic approach to river management. By considering the river's ecosystem as a whole, rather than just focusing on one issue, the project was able to deliver multiple benefits. The North Wales Rivers Trust team plans to adopt a similar approach in its own NFM plans, recognising that nature-based solutions can deliver benefits beyond just flood risk reduction.