Sondes at Llyn Maelog
Last week NWRT installed two sondes at Llyn Maelog and Llyn Coron. These sondes will measure algae, nutrients, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen at 30-minute intervals for the next three months. These data will help us to further understand the causes of algae blooms that are impacting these lakes.
Bronaber Sewage Spill Identified and fixed
Continued investigations into the Afon Eden and the Bronaber sewage works have identified a leaking sewage pipe upstream flowing into the Afon Eden. We are pleased to say that once Dwr Cymru identified the leak it was fixed.
NWRT attend Pilotlight charity impact day
On Monday the team attended Pilotlight charity impact day. We were honoured to be one of only two charities selected for this event, which brought together business leaders to provide strategic support.
Floating Wetland to be installed late June
Exciting updates for our Floating Wetland project! We are thrilled to announce that the plans for the installation into Llyn Maelog have been confirmed for the end of June.
Assessing barriers to fish migration on the Llyn Peninsula
In May, our Principal Fisheries officer visited the Erch, Soch and Rhyd-Hir catchments on the Llyn Peninsula to assess barriers to fish migration. The focus was on salmonids but impacts on European eel and lamprey were also considered. All potential obstacles recorded in the Rivers Trust Obstacles Database were assessed, totalling 13 sites.
Vote for rivers at the upcoming General Election
This summer, join us as we #VoteForRivers, sending a clear message to all political parties that action for our precious waterways is vital and is an issue that we the public care strongly about. Whether we live in rural environments or big cities, clean and healthy rivers are something that we all need.
High Levels of E. Coli Found Near Bronaber Sewage Works
Alarming results have emerged from our independent lab tests on a suspected sewage leak at the Bronaber sewage works, which drains into a river designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Despite regulators asserting that the water is clean and Dwr Cymru denying any connection to their wastewater treatment works while describing their own tests as showing ‘earthy and clean’ results, we took the initiative to send samples to an independent accredited lab. Our goal is to ensure the protection of this environmentally sensitive site.
We’re hiring! Two intern positions available
We're hiring! Exciting Opportunity to join the NWRT team as an intern.
Are you passionate about conservation and eager to make a real difference? We're looking for two River Interns to join our team and help protect North Wales' rivers and the incredible species that rely on them.
Exploring Prosiect Torgoch with Ysgol Dolbadarn Pupils
Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Dolbadarn, a primary school in Llanberis, are learning about Prosiect Torgoch. Last week, Poppy visited the pupils to introduce them to the project and highlight the importance of Arctic Charr.
The pupils enjoyed watching our informative animation, which explains the challenges facing the Torgoch and the solutions being implemented.
River Ambassador Training Day at Plas y Brenin
What happens when you take twenty passionate ambassadors, the rugged beauty of Snowdonia, and a mission to protect our rivers? You get an unforgettable day at Plas y Brenin, where we dove deep into chemical testing, campaigning, and invertebrate testing.
River lifecycles & food chains on the Mawddach
As part of our Freshwater Pearl Mussel project in partnership with the Eryri National Park we have been out on a field visit with the amazing pupils from Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn. Today they joined us on site to learn about river lifecycles and food chains and how to use invertebrates as water quality indicators.
New Floating Wetland project data & progress update
Our Floating Wetland project funded by Local Nature Partnerships and Cyngor Ynys Mon is well underway. Plans have been finalised for the instalment of the first wetland early this summer and we have established a local group of volunteers to help with monitoring the water quality through various methods.
Water quality survey results from the Afon Cegin
Last week NWRT Project Officers completed a water quality survey of the Afon Cegin as part of our Esmee Fairburn ‘Blue Spaces’ project. The river runs near to Bangor and is known to be impacted by high levels of Phosphorus. The survey aimed to identify general trends in water quality across the catchment and assess the impact of permitted discharges.
NWRT team present at the Wales Freshwater Pearl Mussel Strategy meeting.
Laura and Liam were thrilled to be invited to speak at the Welsh Freshwater Pearl Mussel Strategy meeting, where they presented our river restoration efforts on the Eden and our community work in partnership with Eryri National Park.
Celebrating our new River Champion Businesses!
Earlier this year we launched our River Champion Business award. This award supports and awards businesses in their journey to becoming more river-friendly. Since the launch we have had a great response from local businesses and have almost met our target of 20 River Champion businesses by the end of May!
Lab Dŵr Ambassador launch - Saturday the 18th of May
Our first cohort of River Ambassadors will be attending training next Saturday at Plas Y Brenin. They will become the voices of their local water, not only collating vital data but also shouting about all the amazing reasons why their river should be protected.
Menai Strait Swimways Clean Up
We were back out again last week as part of our community Swimways project. Our fanatastic volunteers were hosted by environmentalist Sian Sykes. Thanks to our volunteers who not only improved the Menai Strait for wildlife, they also improved their own Sup skills.
Eryri National Park Site Visit
Last week we hosted the team from the Eryri National Park on the Afon Eden as part of our partnership to protect endangered species. We have a really exciting summer program for the community to get involved in. From habitat surveys to dry stone walling and mindfulness walks. There is something for everyone.
Concerns Raised Over Potential Sewage Leaks Threatening Afon Eden
Afon Eden is suffering from high levels of nutrients. We traced the issue to a leaking pipe at the perimeter fence of the nearby sewage works. We have sent the water samples to the lab for further tests.
Floating Wetland Project Community Monitoring
This week our community volunteers have started their weekly monitoring of blue-green algae levels at Llyn Maelog, Rhosneigr. Samples will be collected by the volunteers weekly from May - August from three different sections of the lake and sent away for testing.