Friday evening saw an educational event for the Llanberis Brownies, as our community engagement officer, Oisin, took on the role of a guest speaker. The aim of the evening was to raise awareness among the young members about potential hazards that could harm our precious river system.

By utilising solar-powered pumps and sumps, the NWRT is not only helping to prevent agricultural pollution but also reducing carbon emissions, making them an excellent solution for sustainable farming practices. As we continue to develop and implement innovative solutions, we are confident that we can make a significant impact in preserving the health of our waterways for generations to come.

The Urgent Need for Natural Flood Management. North Wales, a region known for its mountainous landscapes, sweeping beaches and thriving communities, is grappling with a pressing issue: coastal and river flooding. The combination of rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and the effects of climate change has heightened the vulnerability of this area. In response, the North Wales Rivers Trust is spearheading efforts to implement natural flood management strategies, offering hope for the protection and resilience of these communities.

There is a hidden danger lurking in our waters - phosphorus. While phosphorus is a vital nutrient required for plant and animal growth, its presence in excessive amounts in tap water and rivers can have detrimental effects. In this blog, we will explore the finite nature of phosphorus, why it is added to tap water, and the impact of leaking freshwater pipes on rivers.

We took part in the Ogwen Odyssey, speaking about the role of NWRT as well as having water testing activities to help raise money for Ogwen Mountain Rescue

Launching our new Endangered Wildife Series. As human activities continue to impact the natural world, the survival of many species is at risk. In the United Kingdom, freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, with several species facing the threat of extinction. These species, which play crucial roles in maintaining the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, are struggling to survive due to various human-induced factors. In this blog post, we will explore some of the UK freshwater species that are facing extinction based on scientific evidence and facts.

As a river restoration officer, Dr. Liam Whitmore has seen firsthand the challenges that Salmon face in the rivers of Wales. The latest report from Natural Resource Wales paints a bleak picture, predicting that a staggering 91 percent of Salmon and Sewin, another iconic fish species, will be completely extinct within a mere decade. With many migratory fish failing to return from the sea, the few brave ones that do make it back to our rivers desperately need healthy rivers to survive.

North Wales, with its picturesque landscapes and pristine water bodies, is known for its natural beauty and thriving ecosystems. However, beneath the surface lies a hidden threat that has been affecting water quality and ecosystem health – sewage Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) spills. 60,000 hours of sewage pumped into our rivers in 2022.

15.4 km of water improved in the last three months. Read about our exciting start to the year from raising awareness to taking action on the ground.

In the next 10 years we are expected to lose almost all Salmon in not only North Wales but the entire Welsh rivers systems. Natural Resources Wales’s recently published report sadly, predicts that salmon and sewin face extinction in many Welsh rivers. Gail Davies Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru says; ‘It has become obvious that our rivers can no longer support these iconic species if things stay the same. The issues they face are truly overwhelming.’

On the 23rd of March we launched our first conference for the Menai Strait Partnership Forum. The bilingual event highlighted some of the issues facing the Menai Strait and more importantly how we can come together as a community to build solutions.

The North Wales Rivers Trust took part in Bangor University’s careers Fest.

Afonydd Cymru and Fish Legal have called on Welsh Government to stop pollution of rivers in Wales from anaerobic digester plants.

A perfect storm of BREXIT legislation with international trade, relaxing agriculture pesticide restrictions, human carelessness, growing populations, and climate change bringing flooding and drought are all increasing the risk to water quality for the Menai Strait. These factors endanger wildlife and industry and risk changing the sustainability of the Menai Strait forever.

Last week we launched our citizen science testing (CST) with 10 angling clubs throughout North Wales. This is in partnership with the Angling Trust’s ‘Anglers Against Pollution’. As part of our wider Community Partnerships forum thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community grant. This is part of the water quality monitoring network that aims to engage angling clubs to better understand our waterways and the effects of pollution.

Check out our artistic entries from the latest Prosiect Torgoch sessions. The amazing pupils at Ysgol Waunfawr took part in our Prosiect Torgoch art competition. We saw everything from 3D clay models, recycled Torgoch’s, paintings, drawings and mixed media art.

Three North Wales tourist hotspots are in the top most sewage polluted coastal spots in the UK. Rhyl and Morfa Nefyn are listed in the top ten and the Menai Strait which separates Anglesey from the mainland makes the top 20.

The North Wales Rivers Trust took part in Bangor University’s careers Fest. We were asked to discuss ‘Careers in the Charity Sector’ along with St David’s Hospice and Endeavours Adventures.

Pupils from Ysgol Waunfawr have released hundreds of Eryri Torgoch into Llyn Padarn lake 

Afonydd Cymru: The Rivers Trust of Wales CEO Gail Davies, delivers the facts about our rivers to the Welsh Committee.