World Rivers Day 2025: river restoration in action

River Cynon (Afon Cynon) restoration is an ongoing effort by the South East Wales Rivers Trust (SEWRT) focused on improving biodiversity in the post-industrial valley, using volunteer training, citizen science (SmartRivers), and community engagement through education and events. Key achievements include the return of otters, increased community involvement with over 1,000 primary school children engaged, and the training of volunteers in river restoration and monitoring. However, challenges like pollution and industrial waste water continue to affect the river.

Key Aspects of River Cynon Restoration

Afon Cynon – A River for All Project: This initiative, started in 2020 and funded by various organizations including the Pen-y-Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, aims to enhance the river’s biodiversity through education, volunteering, and community engagement.
Community Engagement: Over 1,000 primary school children have been engaged, and more than 40 volunteers have received training in river restoration techniques and riverfly monitoring.
SmartRivers Programme: SEWRT joined the SmartRivers programme in 2020, using volunteer-led monitoring of freshwater invertebrates to identify pollution hotspots and track the river’s progress in recovery.
Return of Wildlife: The restoration efforts have led to a noticeable increase in wildlife, with reports of increased otter sightings following cleanup investment.
Challenges: Despite successes, the river continues to face challenges, including pollution, industrial waste water, and issues with fish migration caused by weirs, which are being addressed through monitoring and targeted action.

Who is Involved?

South East Wales Rivers Trust (SEWRT): The primary organization leading the restoration efforts, formed to recover river habitats in post-industrial areas.
Pen-y-Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund: A key funder for the “A River for All” project, supporting habitat restoration and community involvement.
Community Groups: Organizations like Cynon Valley Organic Adventures and Cwmbach Community Wetlands are active partners in the local community engagement efforts.
Volunteers: A crucial component, providing data and labor for restoration activities and water quality monitoring.

World Rivers Day, takes place on Sunday 28 September and is a global event which celebrates rivers around the world and the vital role they play in sustaining ecosystems, wildlife and communities.

Over the last five years Natural Resources Wales’s (NRW) multi-million-pound LIFE Dee River and Four Rivers for LIFE projects have been tasked with restoring rivers in north and south Wales.

The River Dee in north Wales and the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers in south Wales, are currently in a poor condition as a result of multiple pressures such as climate change, habitat degradation, barriers to fish migration, poor water quality and invasive species.

Both projects have been working hard to protect and improve the condition of these rivers, and positive signs of recovery are already being seen. Using a range of solutions they hope to restore these delicate ecosystems and as a result improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.

To date, the LIFE Dee River project has worked with farmers to install 26 miles (42 km) of fencing which has created thriving riverside corridors that have been planted with 20,000 trees. In addition, the project has improved in-river habitat by introducing 3,090 tonnes of boulders and 5,330 tonnes of gravel, and removed or adapted 10 barriers to improve fish migration.

The Four Rivers for LIFE project has worked with farmers to install 25 miles (40 km) of fencing and planted approximately 37,000 native trees with support from Woodland Trust. Over 5,000 metres of invasive non-native species (INNS) like Himalayan balsam has been removed from the Teifi, Tywi and Cleddau Rivers with support from Contractors and the West Wales Rivers Trust.

The project has also improved eight barriers to fish migration, with seven more barriers to be addressed this year and in 2026. The project has also improved river processes and in channel habitats in a number of river reaches through the introduction of large wood and boulders.

Nick Thomas Natural Resources Wales Strategic Projects Manager, said: “Encouraged by the progress of the LIFE projects, in 2024, NRW launched the Upper Wye Project. The project aims to restore the health of the upper reaches of the River Wye, and in its first year it has tackled invasive species, installed fencing on farm land and planted 2,000 native trees.”

Improving river habitats by introducing boulders, gravel and wood will renaturalise the rivers and provide a clean, well-oxygenated environment for spawning as well as shelter for migratory fish, such as Atlantic salmon, sea and river lamprey, bullhead and shad.

Working with farmers to install fencing and improve agricultural practices on the land will help protect these vitally important river corridors, reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients entering the watercourse, which will lead to better water quality.

Planting trees next to rivers can help make our rivers more climate resilient by providing shade and cooling water temperatures for important wildlife.

Controlling the impact of INNS along our riverbanks is important, as species like Himalayan balsam outcompetes native vegetation and as it dies back in winter it leaves banksides bare and vulnerable to erosion.

The River Dee in north Wales, the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers and River Wye are classed as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), meaning they are of significant international importance for the wildlife and plants that call them home, such as salmon, lamprey, shad, otters and water crowfoot.

Freshwater ecosystems are in rapid decline, dropping by an alarming 85% on average since 1970 according to the 2024 Living Planet Report. The LIFE Dee River, Four Rivers for LIFE and Upper Wye projects are fighting to ensure these unique rivers in Wales and the ecosystems they sustain will be there for the enjoyment of generations to come.

The LIFE Dee River and Four Rivers for LIFE Projects are funded by the EU LIFE Programme with support from Welsh Government, whilst the Upper Wye Project is funded solely by the Welsh Government.

Find out more about World Rivers Day here.