In May, our Principal Fisheries officer visited the Erch, Soch and Rhyd-Hir catchments on the Llyn Peninsula to assess barriers to fish migration. The focus was on salmonids but impacts on European eel and lamprey were also considered. All potential obstacles recorded in the Rivers Trust Obstacles Database  were assessed, totalling 13 sites.

This summer, join us as we #VoteForRivers, sending a clear message to all political parties that action for our precious waterways is vital and is an issue that we the public care strongly about. Whether we live in rural environments or big cities, clean and healthy rivers are something that we all need.

Alarming results have emerged from our independent lab tests on a suspected sewage leak at the Bronaber sewage works, which drains into a river designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Despite regulators asserting that the water is clean and Dwr Cymru denying any connection to their wastewater treatment works while describing their own tests as showing ‘earthy and clean’ results, we took the initiative to send samples to an independent accredited lab. Our goal is to ensure the protection of this environmentally sensitive site.

We're hiring! Exciting Opportunity to join the NWRT team as an intern.

Are you passionate about conservation and eager to make a real difference? We're looking for two River Interns to join our team and help protect North Wales' rivers and the incredible species that rely on them.

Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Dolbadarn, a primary school in Llanberis, are learning about Prosiect Torgoch. Last week, Poppy visited the pupils to introduce them to the project and highlight the importance of Arctic Charr.

The pupils enjoyed watching our informative animation, which explains the challenges facing the Torgoch and the solutions being implemented.

What happens when you take twenty passionate ambassadors, the rugged beauty of Snowdonia, and a mission to protect our rivers? You get an unforgettable day at Plas y Brenin, where we dove deep into chemical testing, campaigning, and invertebrate testing.

As part of our Freshwater Pearl Mussel project in partnership with the Eryri National Park we have been out on a field visit with the amazing pupils from Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn. Today they joined us on site to learn about river lifecycles and food chains and how to use invertebrates as water quality indicators.

Our Floating Wetland project funded by Local Nature Partnerships and Cyngor Ynys Mon is well underway. Plans have been finalised for the instalment of the first wetland early this summer and we have established a local group of volunteers to help with monitoring the water quality through various methods.

Last week NWRT Project Officers completed a water quality survey of the Afon Cegin as part of our Esmee Fairburn ‘Blue Spaces’ project. The river runs near to Bangor and is known to be impacted by high levels of Phosphorus. The survey aimed to identify general trends in water quality across the catchment and assess the impact of permitted discharges.

Laura and Liam were thrilled to be invited to speak at the Welsh Freshwater Pearl Mussel Strategy meeting, where they presented our river restoration efforts on the Eden and our community work in partnership with Eryri National Park.

Earlier this year we launched our River Champion Business award. This award supports and awards businesses in their journey to becoming more river-friendly. Since the launch we have had a great response from local businesses and have almost met our target of 20 River Champion businesses by the end of May!

Our first cohort of River Ambassadors will be attending training next Saturday at Plas Y Brenin. They will become the voices of their local water, not only collating vital data but also shouting about all the amazing reasons why their river should be protected.

We were back out again last week as part of our community Swimways project. Our fanatastic volunteers were hosted by environmentalist Sian Sykes. Thanks to our volunteers who not only improved the Menai Strait for wildlife, they also improved their own Sup skills.

Last week we hosted the team from the Eryri National Park on the Afon Eden as part of our partnership to protect endangered species. We have a really exciting summer program for the community to get involved in. From habitat surveys to dry stone walling and mindfulness walks. There is something for everyone.

Afon Eden is suffering from high levels of nutrients. We traced the issue to a leaking pipe at the perimeter fence of the nearby sewage works. We have sent the water samples to the lab for further tests.

This week our community volunteers have started their weekly monitoring of blue-green algae levels at Llyn Maelog, Rhosneigr. Samples will be collected by the volunteers weekly from May - August from three different sections of the lake and sent away for testing.

Last week NWRT Fisheries Officer Antony Smith attended the annual conference of the River Restoration Centre (RRC) hosted this year in the historic seaside town of Llandudno.

The pupils at Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn have been hard at work learning about Fresh Water Pearl Mussels and their life-cycle. In this session they have been creating storyboards ahead of the creation of their real storybook and the plans are looking great!

We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with artist Sean Harris to raise awareness for wildlife beneath the water.

Sean is an artist and animator with an impressive portfolio of inspiring and educational work. He uses unique method’s to tell the story of endangered and extinct species. Taking inspiration from the natural world, Sean creates captivating and interactive displays.

Last week a fantastic group of volunteers headed out on the Menai Strait for a SUP clean up in collaboration with Journey With Sian.