Upper Wye restoration - Ocean and Coastal Futures

A new project has been launched to help restore the upper reaches of the River Wye, one of the UK’s most cherished rivers.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) announced the Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show on 22 July 2024. Funded by the Welsh Government, this initiative aims to rejuvenate the river’s upper catchment area, home to several important species like Atlantic salmon, otters, shad, white-clawed crayfish, and water crowfoot. The River Wye is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation and is highly valued by local communities and visitors for outdoor, wellbeing, and cultural activities.

The project focuses on the Wye catchment upstream of Hay-on-Wye, with goals to protect species and improve habitats by tackling various pressures impacting the river. Enhancements in the upper catchment will benefit the entire river system. Efforts will include reducing sediment and pollutants entering the river and improving its resilience to extreme weather and the Climate Crisis.