22-07-2025
New scheme hopes to tackle farm plastic pollution in rivers
The Natural Resources Wales Four Rivers for Life project is working with Agriculture Plastics Environment, Birch Farm Plastics and Afonydd Cymru to increase the collection and recycling rates of farm plastics.
Farmers and landowners will be able to recycle their farm plastic at reduced cost at several centres across four river catchments: Usk, Teifi, Tywi, and Cleddau.
The trial hopes to work with farmers and landowners to reduce the amount of farm plastics found in the rivers and improve their condition so wildlife like salmon, lamprey and otter can thrive.
Chris Thomas, Four Rivers for Life senior land management officer said: 'Healthy rivers support more than just farmers and the environment - they also help communities thrive and grow.
"Rivers can only fully perform this function and support farmers if they are healthy and free from pollution and plastic waste.'
Gail Davies-Walsh, Afonydd Cymru chief executive, said: 'We are very pleased that this trial scheme is being brought to South Wales.
"It follows on from a similar project run successfully by West Wales Rivers Trust last year, so we know the positive impacts it will have in terms of reducing the amount of agricultural plastic in rivers.'
The Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers are classed as Special Areas of Conservation, meaning they are of international importance for the wildlife and plants that make them home, such as salmon, lamprey, shad, otters and water crowfoot.
The Four Rivers for Life Project is funded by the EU Life Programme with support from Welsh Government and Welsh Water.
