Forests and water

 

Project:

• Contribute to the reduction of the acidification of streams feeding the River Severn, by clearing conifers from riverbanks
• Create new wetland habitats for species such as otters, dippers, kingfishers and water voles
• Work with farmers to encourage sustainable farming methods
• Remove manmade obstructions to the salmon spawning grounds in the Vyrnwy and Upper Severn catchments
• Improve the salmon rearing and restocking at Clywedog hatchery
• Work with farmers and landowners in the Vyrnwy catchments to reduce diffuse pollution, for example by fencing off riverbanks from livestock
• Improve parts of the Severn Way footpath (a trans-national long distance route)
• Design, print and distribute bi-lingual leaflets and interpretation boards for parts of the Severn Way that pass through Powys

Location: The upper reaches of the River Severn and River Vyrnwy. Hafren Forest, Coed y Gororau Forest District.

Why: The project’s aim is to ensure that the upper reaches of the River Severn and River Vyrnwy and associated habitats are in healthy, productive and biologically divers. It will provide a valuable, sustainable natural resource that will attract tourists and will help to improve the local economy.

Who: The project is a partnership with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission Wales, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Powys County Council, Severn Trent Water Ltd., Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Wales (FWAG Cymru), Countryside Council for Wales, Llanidloes Angling Club, and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.