Phosphate-rich runoff is the primary cause of the spread of algal blooms that are devastating the River Wye's ecosystem.
Avara Foods, one of the largest livestock organisations in the catchment, published a ‘roadmap for the future management of poultry manure’ on the 12th January 2023, which can be read here.
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, along with other Wildlife Trusts in the River Wye catchment, commend and appreciate Avara’s commitment to tackling the water quality issues on the Wye. The roadmap states "Avara and its farmers will take accountability for the phosphate in its supply chain."
This is a positive step, however we feel their roadmap lacks detail and urgency. We request that Avara publicly share a detailed project plan which explains exactly how they plan to achieve their aims, with committed timescales.
The Chief Executives of the Wildlife Trusts in the River Wye catchment (Radnorshire, Herefordshire, Montgomeryshire, Gwent, Gloucestershire, and The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales) working in collaboration with the Citizen Science efforts of the Friends of the Upper and Lower Wye, will be writing to Avara directly with our questions and look forward to sharing their response with our members and supporters.