This week staff at North Wales Rivers Trust completed training in wetland construction for sewage and farm and treatments, thanks to The Rivers Trust. Staff spent time at the Slimbridge wetland centre in Gloucester and learnt from the specialist team from the Constructed Wetland Association.

Rock salt investigations into freshwater pollutants in Llanbrynymair.

Biodiversity Assessments

North Wales Rivers Trust have developed and trained staff in our river health checks and biodiversity assessments. We are now offering a wide range of biodiversity assessment services carried out by trained staff as a service as part of our consultancy arm.

Darllenwch amdan ein sesiwn blasu pysgota yn Llyn Elsi. Gwariasom ddydd Sul yn Llyn Elsi yn trafod amdan dechnegau pysgota a bioddiogelwch.

Read about our angling taster session in Elsi Lake. We spend Sunday at the picturesque Llyn Elsi discussing fishing techniques and biosecurity.

Are you interested in the fascinating history of medicine? Did you know that Wales was once known as the leech-farming capital of Europe during the Victorian era? Discover the Snowdonia and North Wales lakes used for leech farming during this time.

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the fish were biting at our recent fly fishing session at Rhydd Ddu. Our second ‘Cast A Line’ session hosted this Saturday by the Seiont, Gwyrfai and Llyfni angling club. The club provided expert instruction on fly fishing techniques and discussions on invasive species.

Welcome to the second edition of the North Wales Rivers Trust magazine, now available in both English and Welsh. As we move into spring, we are excited to bring you an issue filled with updates from our team and the latest news on the health of North Wales rivers and our ongoing campaigns. From conservation efforts to community engagement, this magazine is packed with informative and inspiring content that highlights the important work being done to protect our rivers.

On Wednesday evening, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, held a short debate in the Senedd on the perilous state of Atlantic salmon populations in Wales. Huw is the “Species Champion” for Welsh salmon with Cefin Campbell MS, who also contributed to the debate, the equivalent Champion for the similarly threatened sewin (sea trout). Link to Afonydd Cymru

In a collaborative effort to address the issues plaguing the Afon Leri, the North Wales Rivers Trust and NRW Oly Lowe recently came together for an on-site meeting with Tal Y Bont Flood Community Group lead Linda Denton. The focus was on understanding the challenges faced by the river, particularly in light of the devastating flood event that occurred in Tal y Bont, Ceredigion in 2012.

We have been out in the Clwyd catchmnet listening to the views of water users, land owners and individuals. This week Liam caught up with the Clwyd & Vale Angling Club.

The North Wales Rivers Trust team recently attended a visit to the Uwch Conwy project, hosted by the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The project was originally designed to improve the habitat of the river but has had multiple benefits, including improved water quality and natural flood management.

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.