You might not know these lyrics, but you know the song they are from. Many of you have sung this song many times, and all of you will have heard it at some point in your life.

These lines are, in fact, the final two lines of the little-known second verse of “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”, the Welsh national anthem. 

There are many translations of the anthem, each attempting to capture the meaning of the words. But this sentence should be translated directly (even though it might no longer rhyme).

Whilst we are familiar with the first verse lauding our famous poets and singers, the second verse of the anthem goes deeper, exploring the beauty of Wales that inspired them—a beauty firmly rooted in the land- and seascapes of the nation. And, of course, what connects Wales together? That’s right…rivers!

Imagine a Wales without rivers? I wonder if you can. Our wet and mild climate, or oceanic climate (Cfb) if we want to be fancy and use the Koppen climate classification, combined with a varied landscape, means that rivers are everywhere in Wales. 

For me, rivers are a part of Welsh identity, like our love of a song or a warming bowl of cawl. They were integral parts of our communities. They were sources of food, transport links, and places to trade. They were meeting places, both geographically and symbolically. It’s no coincidence that many of our most significant cultural events happen near rivers. 

No river highlights this better than the winding River Wye (Afon Gwy in Welsh). From the many communities that straddle the river to the annual Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, the Wye is a part of Welsh history and culture. Therefore, caring for and restoring the river is not only an environmental issue but also a social and cultural one.

Unfortunately, decades of mistreatment mean the Wye is no longer the healthy lifeline it once was. Agricultural pollution, sewage, and litter have lowered water quality, whilst land use changes and invasive species have simultaneously reduced riverside habitat stability and area.

We must change this current trajectory of decline - restoring our rivers is crucial for protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and ensuring long-term health. By backing restoration efforts, we can help revive vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of species, from otters and kingfishers to endangered aquatic life. Additionally, restoring the river benefits local communities by safeguarding clean water, preventing erosion, and enhancing natural flood defences. As climate change intensifies, a healthy, biodiverse Wye will be a crucial ally in coping with extreme weather changes and its impacts.

The Trust's work promotes sustainable land management practices on a landscape scale, supporting farmers and landowners to adopt methods that reduce harmful runoff. So, by working together, we can protect our rivers and the communities, wildlife, and heritage that depend on it.