Project Name: Restoring the Afon Bach
Catchment: Clwyd
County: Denbighsire
We are committed to an ongoing river restoration project on the Afon Bach. We've been working tirelessly to breathe life back into this vital waterway. The Afon Bach was chosen as a priority area for the North Wales Rivers Trust as it is currently a failing tributary under the Water Framework Directive and is classed in ‘Poor’ health.
Our Vision
Our journey began with a comprehensive assessment of the Afon Bach's river health and biodiversity. Currently classed as failing by the Water Framework Directive. The findings were alarming, revealing ecological failures among key species, particularly invertebrates that serve as vital indicators of river well-being. Situated near the A55 motorway, road runoff emerged as a significant pollutant, warranting our road runoff campaign. The dominant land use in the area centered around beef, dairy, and sheep farming, resulting in compacted soils and substantial nutrient loss to the watercourse. Additionally, the sewage works in the neighboring village of Tremeirchion require upgrading.
Our vision revolves around collaborating with essential stakeholders to propose innovative solutions. This includes wetland treatment for the sewage works, providing farm advice and soil health checks to farmers to minimise nutrient loss to the Afon Bach, restoring and creating riparian habitats for the protection of fish, eels, and invertebrates from predators, and establishing riparian corridors to connect crucial habitats. Over a five-year period, we will diligently monitor the Bach to assess the impact of our interventions, removing barriers hindering fish migration and implementing easements where necessary, creating constructed wetlands to tackle pollutants. Fencing out cattle from the watercourse and providing alternative drinking sources for livestock, working with farmers to improve soil health and working with the community to restore and monitor habitat. Lastly, we will address bank erosion to prevent sediment loss and preserve potential spawning habitats. Together, we strive to revive the Afon Bach and safeguard its delicate ecosystem.
The project so far
During the winter of 2022/ 2023 we devised a strategic plan for the Bach. Our work so far has included:-
Working with 6 farms to fence out 3000 km of river bank. Creating a 5m - 2m buffer zone ready for planting.
Creating 29 Farm nutrient plans for all farms within the catchment.
Implemented 6 solar water pumps and 600 m of mains water pipe connection for cattle.
By December 2023
Completed two brash revetments for bank support
Planted over 5000 trees along the Bach.
Added a fish and eel easement to a culvert.
Created hedgerows
Created a wetland along the Afon Bach.
Completed plans for a Constructed Wetland to tackle the road run off from the A55.
Delivered 10 detailed farm plans and farm advice to farmers within this catchment.
Improved 10 acres of soil health.
Installed two otter holts.
Environmental DNA testing to ascertain baseline species present.
