Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project

The Upper River Wye rises in the Cambrian Mountains on Plynlimon and flows through the upland landscapes of Powys. These upper reaches play a crucial role in shaping the health of the entire river system downstream.

The River Wye and its tributaries are home to several important species such as Atlantic salmon, shad, otter, white-clawed crayfish and water crowfoot (Ranunculus).

The river and its surrounding landscapes are cherished by local communities and visitors for their cultural, recreational and wellbeing benefits.

Photo credit: Peter Lewis

The Upper Wye faces pressures from pollution including nutrients and sediment, poor habitat and lack of tree cover, erosion and climate change. Warmer, drier summers lead to low flows and higher water temperatures, putting sensitive species like salmon under stress. Historic land management has led to the removal of natural shade on the banks and important habitat such as boulders and large wood in the river.

Structures such as weirs, culverts and modified channels disrupt natural river processes and fish migration, while invasive plant species destabilise riverbanks and compete with native species.

Addressing these pressures in the upper catchment is crucial, as improvements here support the health and resilience of the entire River Wye downstream.

We are working alongside landowners, farmers, communities and local organisations to restore the Upper Wye catchment through practical, on-the-ground action.

Our work includes:

• Restoring river corridors by fencing riverbanks and planting buffer zones to protect banks and improve water quality
• Creating better in-river habitat by introducing large woody material to slow flows and support fish and invertebrates
• Reducing pollution and keeping soil on the land through targeted land management measures
• Slowing the flow of overland water so it soaks into the soil rather than running directly into the river
• Restoring and reconnecting floodplains to store water naturally during high flows
• Removing or adapting man-made structures that block fish movement and disrupt natural river processes
• Tackling invasive non-native plant species that contribute to bank erosion and out-compete native plants, such as Himalayan balsam and American skunk cabbage

Monitoring with tools such as Sonde data loggers, electrofishing surveys and drone imagery tracks progress and ensures that work is delivered in areas that provide maximum benefit.

Together, these actions help restore natural river processes, improve resilience to climate change and support wildlife and communities along the River Wye.

To find out the latest news from the project view our newsletters:

Newsletter #1

Newsletter #2

Newsletter #3

Newsletter #4

Newsletter #5

Newsletter #6

Newsletter #7 

And if you'd like to subscribe to receive these by email: subscribe here

The project area encompasses the Wye catchment upstream of Hay-on-Wye. Our current focus areas are on the Ithon and its tributaries upstream of Llandrindod Wells, the upper Wye and its tributaries upstream of Newbridge on Wye and the Irfon to the west of Builth. We are carrying out some work in other areas, so are always interested to hear from any part of the upper catchment.

Communities living and working along the Upper Wye are at the heart of this project and we are working closely with local people and organisations.

Farmers and land managers play a vital role in shaping the catchment. We are funding and delivering work on farms that benefits river health while supporting efficient and profitable farm businesses. All work is developed in collaboration with land owners, using their local knowledge and experience and our technical advice.

We also work closely with a wide range of organisations working in the area, including Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trusts, the Wye and Usk Foundation, Freshwater Habitats Trust and the Woodland Trust, farming organisations and farm cluster groups.

We encourage people to get involved wherever possible, through events such as site visits and talks, attendance at established local agricultural shows and community events across the catchment.

By engaging communities and working together we can share knowledge and deliver improvements to the Wye that will have a positive impact for years to come. 

We produce a quarterly e-newsletter sharing updates on our progress, alongside interesting stories and insights about the Upper River Wye. If you’d like to stay informed, you can sign up to receive it here:

Subscribe to our newsletters

Thank you for your interest!