Prosiect Torgoch
This project is funded by a National Lottery Heritage grant.
Eryri Torgoch
Prosiect Torgoch is an exciting initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Dedicated to the preservation of the native Eryri Torgoch. This project focuses on the protection of the Arctic char (torgoch in Welsh), a rare and iconic species native to the lakes of North Wales.
Learn more about the Eryri Torgoch and why they are so unique.
the project goals.
Raise the profile of the Eryri Torgoch so the public have a greater understanding of their importance.
Identify a protected area for the Eryri Torgoch.
Engage the public on the Eryri Torgoch and the issues they face through education and training.
Restore habitat and riparian zones to further protect spawning grounds.
Swimming on the edge of extinction
In Wales there are just three natural Arctic charr populations, Llyn Bodlyn, Llyn Padarn, and Llyn Cwellyn. Of these lakes, Llyn Cwellyn appears the most likely to offer viable long-term habitat owing to its larger volume of cool, well oxygenated refugia habitat and the absence of major and complex disturbances of the type impacting Llyn Padarn. However, worryingly, recent temporal analysis of data between 2007 and 2019 indicate a significant decline in deep water oxygen driven by an increase in nutrients entering the lake (Smith, 2022).
Issues facing the TorgoCh in North Wales
The Eryri Torgoch, or Arctic charr, is a cold-adapted species facing several significant challenges that threaten its populations and the health of its habitats:
Nutrient Enrichment (Eutrophication): Excessive nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial activities, can lead to nutrient-rich waters. This results in algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels, directly impacting the health and survival of Arctic charr.
Water Temperature Changes: Arctic charr thrive in cold waters, and rising temperatures—likely due to climate change—disrupt their breeding and feeding patterns. These temperature changes pose a serious challenge to their survival in the UK's already mild climate.
Water Quality and Pollution: Pollutants from various sources can degrade water quality, posing health risks to Arctic charr. This includes contaminants from agricultural practices and industrial discharges, which can directly affect the fish and their habitats.
Habitat Disturbance: Human activities, such as construction, water extraction, and recreational use, can disturb critical habitats. These disturbances make it difficult for Arctic charr to find suitable areas for breeding and feeding.
Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species can lead to competition for food and habitat. Species like roach and perch have increased in distribution and pose a significant threat to the survival of Arctic charr by competing for resources and potentially preying on juveniles.
The SciencE
community
The success of our environmental initiatives hinges on the active involvement of the community. Local residents, educators, and students are the most important stakeholders in monitoring, co-designing, and collating data for our Torgoch project. By participating in these efforts, the community not only contributes to the scientific understanding of their local ecosystems but also takes ownership of sustainable solutions to protect and improve their water bodies.
education
As part of our mission to safeguard local biodiversity, the North Wales Rivers Trust has developed the Prosiect Torgoch education programme. This initiative collaborates with teachers, educators, and students across Gwynedd to raise awareness about the Eryri Torgoch and highlight the significance of protecting freshwater ecosystems.
Through hands-on activities, workshops, and educational resources, the programme introduces students to the life cycle of the Eryri Torgoch, the environmental pressures it faces, and the broader role that healthy freshwater habitats play in supporting biodiversity. Our approach ensures alignment with the national curriculum while promoting an emotional and intellectual connection to the local environment.
In addition to science-focused activities, we also offer creative outlets for students to engage with these themes, such as our animation workshops and collaborative art sessions. These workshops enable students to help tell the species’ story and spread environmental awareness.
The programme will expand further with the introduction of our hatchery initiative in winter 2025. This exciting project will give students an up-close view of conservation efforts, as they witness the breeding and early life stages of fish in a controlled environment.
"Our Prosiect Torgoch programme inspires the next generation of environmentalists by engaging young people in conserving threatened species."
— Poppy Backshall ,Community Engagement & Education Officer
work so far…
phase one
Launched the project
We launched the project with an event at The Padarn Hotel. This was followed by meetings with local schools, and other stakeholder groups and organisations.
WATer quality monitoring
Dr Antony Smith oversaw the installation of Sondes in Llyn Cwellyn. This intensive water quality monitoring programme helped us to better understand nutrient inputs. Llyn Cwellyn, an oligotrophic lake, offers critical habitat for Arctic charr, but rising nutrient levels have led to reduced deep water oxygen, threatening this sensitive species. The survey used continuous monitoring sondes in the Afon Gwyrfai and spot sampling to track key indicators like nitrates, ammonium, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
Palaeoecological Study
Working with the University of Liverpool, we conducted a palaeoecological study at Llyn Cwellyn. A sediment core, likely representing several centuries of deposition, was collected and will be analysed for phosphorus levels and changes in diatom species, which are key indicators of eutrophication. This research will offer valuable insights into the lake's ecological history, helping us to make better informed decisions about it’s future.
Education
Poppy has engaged local schools in Prosiect Torgoch through hands-on activities, workshops, environmental activism and creative outlets like animation and art sessions, students learn about the species' life cycle, environmental challenges, and the significance of healthy habitats.
Community monitoring
‘River Ambassadors’ have been appointed in both the Llyn Padarn and Llyn Cwellyn catchments to conduct monthly water quality testing for Phosphates, Nitrates, temperature and Electrical conductivity. This data is helping to build a better picture of water quality in the area.
Alongside chemical testing, we have set up a community ‘River Hub’ of volunteers who have received accredited training with Smart River Hubs to sample and identify invertebrates across five locations. These samples will be taken twice yearly and the data will help inform future campaigns.
Snorkel surveying
North Wales Rivers Trust established a BSAC Snorkel Club to provide accredited training in snorkeling and underwater surveying techniques for volunteers.
As part of this initiative, we conducted two snorkel surveys of the non-native perch population in Llyn Padarn to assess their abundance and distribution. Since perch could potentially compete with the native Eryri Torgoch for food sources, volunteers recorded the perch they saw to give us an indication of the overall population.
Celebrating the Eryri Torgoch with an immersive art experience at Llyn Padarn
Check back soon for more updates!
