Environmental campaigner Angela Jones has warned that 2022 is the last year to act to save the River Wye, which she says is in rapid decline due to pollution. Jones, who has lived and worked on the river for decades, has noticed increased pollution and a drop in species such as salmon and river crowfoot. She described watching the river die as 'painful'.
According to Environment Agency modelling, pollution in the Wye comes predominantly from agriculture (64%) and sewage (28%). Campaign groups link the ecological damage to run-off from intensive poultry farms, which they say causes high phosphate levels that lead to algae blooms, choking out other plants and animals.
Natural Resources Wales acknowledged significant issues remain but said they have made 'great strides' in recent years. Professor Steve Ormerod, an ecology expert and NRW board member, said wide-scale changes are needed but warned that fixing the complex problems could take 'years to decades'.
The 155-mile river weaves between Wales and England, with Natural Resources Wales regulating Welsh waterways and the Environment Agency overseeing England. Charities Salmon and Trout Conservation and Fish Legal have begun legal proceedings under Environmental Damage regulations to force both agencies to address the impact of poultry farming.
The Environment Agency said permanent investment for regulatory activity on the Wye is now in place, including increased farm visits and an investigation into poultry manure management. Welsh Water, the second largest polluter due to untreated sewage, estimates removing storm overflows would cost £9-14 billion and take decades.
Labour MP Chris Evans called for an inquiry into Welsh Water, stating the company should be held responsible. Welsh Water said it is investing £800m in its wastewater network and £50m specifically in the Wye area. Campaigners stress that other Welsh rivers are also in poor condition and call for stronger enforcement and changes to agricultural regulations.
