We are the voice for wild fish in Welsh waters. Recent press stories are painting a sorry picture, with headlines of slurry spills and fish kills a regular occurrence. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is huge opportunity in the upcoming years to secure the protection that our beautiful Welsh water environments deserve.
Welsh waters have a bright future; we are very excited that our work in Wales has found its feet. From unravelling the story of Welsh rivers through initiation of our Riverfly Census, to preventing the use of pesticides toxic to fish eggs and the planting of damaging non-native forestry plantations beside important upland spawning streams.
Close communications with Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government, plus our membership of Wales Environment Link, mean we can make real headway with kick starting the recovery of some of Wales’s most degraded watercourses and encouraging the return of wild salmon and sea trout.
Riverfly Census
A benchmark for river life
Water insects are the foundation for life in our rivers and streams. We are unlocking their potential as indicators of river health to help you understand what’s really happening under the surface and better protect our fish and water life. Our first Welsh samples have been taken in three well-known rivers; keep watch to see how their story unfolds!
Forestry
Keeping what happens on land out of the water
Activities on land cannot be considered in isolation of the water environment and forestry is no exception to this. In Wales, non-native conifer forestry next to rivers is a common occurrence. When managed properly, forestry can be a good thing, holding back water to prevent floods and evening out river flows. Explore how we have worked to give our watery places and wild fish relief from the effects of poorly operated forestry
Living Rivers
Reviving our watery places
Rivers are more than just water - they are homes for wildlife. With your help we can lead the fight to keep them clean and give our fish, birds and mammals a safe and flourishing place to live. Poor farming practices are a big problem for Welsh waters (see Agriculture and Us). We are influencing post CAP agricultural grants and subsidies so they are paid as rewards for protecting the environment, particularly in Welsh river systems.
Latest Welsh news
Welsh charities join forces for World Fish Migration Day
Pinpointing Pesticides – Our national survey now uses water insects to solve chemical puzzle
Have your say for Welsh waters
The toxic chemicals keep coming – a further threat in a struggling English chalkstream
Chlorinated chemicals in our areas of conservation? Just say no!
Sea Trout: Science & Management
Mayfly research emphasises serious need for river regulation re-think
The power of bugs – Designing measures to properly capture the health of our rivers
Success from the S&TC auction – funding a better future for wild fish and where they live
