Radnorshire is home to some of the UK's most magnificent rivers, the Lugg, Marteg and Ithon are all tributaries of the River Wye. Flowing from mid-Wales to the Severn estuary in England, it's one of the UK’s longest watercourses and is impacted by everything that happens in its large catchment. The Wye is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and should be supporting notable species such as Atlantic salmon, otters, freshwater pearl mussels, white clawed crayfish and floating plantain. 

But our rivers are in trouble...

Current reports on Wales's rivers show that less than half of them meet Good Ecological Status. Increased pollution and algal blooms are the main reasons for the declining state of our rivers, here in Radnorshire and across all of Wales.

Both the River Lugg (Afon Llugwy) and the River Wye (Afon Gwy) were recently downgraded in status to ‘unfavourable declining’, with the Lugg (Llugwy) quoted as continuing to decline. 

Thankfully, it's not too late

At Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, we believe that if we act now, together, we can bring about positive change, ensuring a more resilient, biodiverse river network for future generations.

Imagining a Wilder Future

To protect our cherished River Wye, we need a catchment-wide approach, where every part of the river system—from the Lugg to the Marteg and Ithon—supports the Wye’s long-term health.

The River Lugg (Afon Llugwy), a SSSI main tributary of the Wye, rises on Pool Hill on the Beacon Hill Common in Radnorshire and joins the Wye just south of Hereford at Mordiford.

The Wilder Lugg Project is the beginning of our ambitious 20-year vision for the Lugg, working with local communities and landowners to protect and restore this precious river.

Imagine the journey ahead:

🌿 In 5 years: A revitalised river where otters flourish, pine martens and egrets find a home, and leaky dams create rich habitats for diverse species.

🐾 In 10 years: Water voles and white-clawed crayfish are thriving, Daubenton’s bats are regulars, and ospreys grace our skies.

🌲 In 20 years: Beavers have been reintroduced, acting as ecosystem engineers to support even more life along the Lugg.

The Wilder Lugg Project is a promising start, but we’ll need further support to achieve this long-term goal and secure a wilder future for this river and the surrounding catchment.

Can YOU help make this vision a reality?

Imagining a Climate Resilient Future

We must put nature into recovery. When in good health, nature has the power to tackle climate change but it needs our help to get there.

Our Wye Adapt to Climate Change (WACC) project is dedicated to restoring nature and building a climate-resilient landscape along the River Wye and its catchment. This means not only working to protect riparian zones but also supporting efforts in the uplands. We’re collaborating with farmers and landowners, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to work in harmony with our rivers—planting trees, implementing natural flood management, and safeguarding not only nature but the future of their farmland.

Trees are one of nature’s most effective solutions to climate change.

By planting the right trees in the right places, we can:

• Improve water quality, as riverside trees act as natural buffers
• Protect riverbanks from erosion
• Tackle global warming through carbon sequestration
• Increase habitat for wildlife, helping biodiversity to thrive

Your donation can help us establish climate-resilient riparian corridors and strengthen upland ecosystems.

Will YOU help us continue this vital work? 

What needs to happen?

The Wildlife Trusts are calling for at least 30% of our land and sea to be connected and protected for nature’s recovery by 2030. Making more space for nature to become abundant once again will give our struggling wildlife the chance to recover and also restore beautiful wild places - places that store carbon and help to tackle the climate crisis.

30% is the bare minimum that nature needs to start recovering but we are far short of this and need your help to turn things around...

We need your help to ensure that we can safeguard our rivers for years to come. If we act now, together we can restore nature for wildlife.

MARCH FOR CLEAN WATER - NOVEMBER 3rd 2024