Latest news with #GlandŵrCymru
Powys County Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Former Powys MP takes up new position with Glandŵr Cymru
THE former MP for Brecon and Radnorshire has taken up a new position with Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales. Fay Jones-Poole, who was ousted as the MP by David Chadwick at the last general election, is taking up a new position as the new chair of the advisory board that oversees its charitable activity across Wales. Ms Jones-Poole, director of external affairs at the Crown Estate, joins the trust as it works to safeguard the 76 miles of canals it cares for across Wales. She joins Glandŵr Cymru as a volunteer on a three-year term. 'It's an honour to lead the trust's Welsh board,' she said. 'The canals have been part of Wales' story for more than two centuries and today they remain uniquely valuable as havens for wildlife, places to improve wellbeing and as contributors to the economy. Without our intervention, these manmade habitats simply would not survive. 'I'm passionate about securing the ongoing support our canals need and, in particular, I'll be looking for a timely solution for the Mon & Brec Canal, which runs a stone's throw from my home." An immediate focus for her and the trust is the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. The 'Mon & Brec' is a vital wildlife corridor that also contributes £29.5 million each year to the Welsh economy through boating and other activity. But it is now facing an existential threat due to new environmental regulations that limit the water the trust is permitted to put into the canal from its historic source, meaning it could run dry in future years. A temporary water supply has been secured from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water by the trust for 2025, but a long-term sustainable solution is urgently needed with the support of the Welsh Government. The network cared for by the trust includes 215 listed structures, five SSSIs, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and three Scheduled Monuments. But canals are facing rising pressures. More storms and floods are damaging historic structures, including towpaths, bridges and culverts. Droughts are causing brickwork to crumble and threatening key water supplies. Meanwhile, rising costs and reduced government support are stretching the charity's resources to the limit. Richard Parry, chief executive of Glandŵr Cymru, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Fay to our charity. "Her political and commercial experience is important as she joins at a pivotal time, with the canal network delivering so much but constantly fighting the unrelenting passage of time and requiring investment to make it resilient to climate change. 'The future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is under serious threat due to new environmental regulations that limit the amount of water it can abstract from the River Usk. 'Our charity has secured a temporary emergency supply, but this is expensive and not sustainable in the long term. 'Fay and the Welsh board will help our charity as we seek a long-term solution, without which dry weather could force sections of the canal to close, threatening the local economy, environment and visitor experience.' At the same time as Ms Jones-Poole's appointment, the trust has published its first-ever 'Our Work in Wales' report, shining a spotlight on the significant contribution Wales' historic canals make to the nation's economy, communities, heritage and environment.
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Project to create new wetland habitat in Powys underway
A project to create a new wetland habitat in Powys is well underway. Spearheaded by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, the initiative aims to extend the habitat for protected aquatic species as part of the Montgomery Canal restoration. The new conservation area, situated at Wern Pond near Coppice Lane, is an integral part of the UK Government-backed canal restoration. The Montgomery Canal is recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare plant life, including the protected species Luronium Natans. The 1.5-metre deep pond at Wern Pond will provide a suitable environment for these plants. Richard Harrison, principal project manager at Glandŵr Cymru, said: "This protected space for nature next to the canal will create a new area of wetland habitat that will help boost the aquatic life that can be found in this area, not least the protected water plants, which subject to consents, can be carefully moved from the canal. "It is a really important milestone in the restoration of the historic canal; part of ensuring that the canal and the habitats it supports will be here for generations to come." The pond is due for completion by the end of the year and will have an inlet and outlet to connect it to the canal. The creation of wetland habitats is part of the overall long-term restoration plan to enable boat traffic to resume and reach Welshpool, providing economic growth through increasing visitor numbers to the area. This is one of two proposed ponds along the canal, aimed at providing the necessary environment for the unique plant life and other wildlife species. John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I welcome this further step towards achieving the restoration of the canal to Welshpool so it can be enjoyed by local people and tourist visitors bringing money into the area. "We are extremely mindful of the special ecological importance of the canal and its rare water plants. "The creation of new wetland habitats will enable such plants to be translocated to the new reserves." The construction at Wern Pond comes as work at Carreghofa Lane, near Llanymynech, for a new road bridge across the canal. is set to start The UK Government has confirmed an 11-month extension to the £14 million restoration project, which now has until February 2026 to be completed.
Wales Online
05-05-2025
- Wales Online
Britain's prettiest canal you can paddle down has wildlife, water lilies and a cafe worth stopping for
Britain's prettiest canal you can paddle down has wildlife, water lilies and a cafe worth stopping for Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest paddles This scenic section is a boater's favourite and a paddleboarder's playground. (Image: Portia Jones ) I wasn't expecting to be given terrapin-spotting tips by a walker in Cwmbran, but this is Cymru, and things are different here. 'He's usually sunbathing just near the bridge,' the friendly woman said, pointing casually like this was a perfectly normal wildlife encounter in Wales. A terrapin. In a Welsh canal. Wild. I was barely 20 minutes into a five-mile-long guided paddleboarding trip on the scenic Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Torfaen when local intel came bulletin-style from the towpath. "Watch for that goose, he's an angry one", was a cheerful instruction from one runner. "There's ducklings up ahead", shouted a smiling cyclist. Who needs Google when welcoming dog walkers are dishing out live updates? Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest paddles, and for good reason. It stretches a whopping 35 miles from Brecon down to the Five Locks Basin in Cwmbran, with a further seven miles of unnavigable canal to Newport on the main line and seven miles to Cwmcarn on the Crumlin Arm. Up north, the canal is in the capable hands of Glandŵr Cymru (aka the Canal & River Trust in Wales), while the lower stretches, from Pontypool south, are looked after by a trio of local councils: Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly. It's a bit of a patchwork, but it all comes together to create one seriously scenic waterway, largely thanks to tireless volunteers and campaigners. As sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, I glided along the still waters (Image: Portia Jones / Kris Roach ) As sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, I glided along the still waters, doing my best Springwatch impression on a guided paddleboarding tour between Five Locks and Pontymoile. Birds chirped, ducks bobbed, and I tried not to fall in while my paddle pro guide kept things moving. Article continues below "This section of the canal was made navigable around 2020," explains my enthusiastic guide, Kris Roach. "It's still relatively unknown, which makes it feel like a hidden gem in south Wales." Kris should know; he's the man behind the paddle at Sup Hike Explore, a relatively new outdoor company specialising in guided SUP trips in locations across Wales. As a regular paddler with my own board and kit, I usually go SUP alone, but the promise of a hassle-free paddle in a scenic new spot, with someone else leading the way, was too tempting to resist. (Image: Kris Roach ) The Five Locks to Pontymoile route is one of several guided trips Kris offers to aspiring and experienced paddlers who want to SUP with a pro. This scenic section is a boater's favourite and a paddleboarder's playground. It's packed with bridges and tunnels where you'll need to drop to your knees, flick on your headtorch, and stay on your board while navigating in the dark. 'This stretch is ideal for beginners,' Kris explains as we drift by boundless greenery, 'calm, sheltered, and full of wildlife surprises like kingfishers and herons and even grass snakes.' While expertly guiding me past furious geese, Kris explained that his paddleboarding journey started somewhere equally as picturesque: Slovenia, which inspired him to embrace the SUP life in Wales. SUP guide Kris loves an adventure (Image: SUP HIKE EXPLORE ) "I love travelling and paddling abroad, but what South Wales has to offer is breathtaking—especially from the water, he enthuses. "The region has incredible places to explore, from stunning mountains and coastlines to lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and our historic canal system." Motivated by paddling abroad, he came home and launched SUP Hike Explore, a name that nods to his habit of traipsing across the UK in search of adventure. 'We officially kicked off in 2020,' he tells me, "I wanted to take my hobby to the next level and find a better work-life balance. The pandemic and becoming a dad also pushed him to take his SUP venture full-time, and he hasn't looked back. Since launching, he's racked up a string of qualifications (Paddle UK Inland, Open Water, River Leader, the works) and become a Paddle UK Delivery Partner, offering 'own kit' guided trips, intro sessions, and even a Sunrise SUP Club for early risers who want a board meeting on the water. This canal is perfect for a SUP (Image: SUP HIKE EXPLORE ) As a regular paddler with my own board and kit, I usually go SUP alone, but the promise of a hassle-free paddle in a scenic new spot, with someone else leading the way, was too tempting to resist. 'This canal's perfect for a SUP,' Kris explained as we passed a row of fluffy ducklings. 'You get scenery, and wildlife, and you can paddle straight to a pub or café. It's peaceful but never dull, you'll always have a chat with a dog walker or someone fishing off the bank.' He's not wrong. We'd barely gone a few paddle strokes without someone striking up a conversation, walkers, cyclists, even the pub staff giving it the hard sell. 'One for the road?' a smiling bar lady called as we floated past the popular Open Hearth Pub. Frankly, that's the kind of upselling I can get behind. Who needs energy gels when you've got cold cider and canal-side banter to keep you going? There's loads of wildlife to spot (Image: SUP HIKE EXPLORE ) It wasn't always such a smooth SUP here. Fed by the clear waters of the River Usk, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, 'the Mon & Brec' is now a serene ribbon of green winding through south Wales. But despite its glassy surface and friendly towpath vibes, this waterway has a gritty industrial past. Once known as the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal, this 35-mile stretch between Brecon and Pontymoile was a coal-powered hub built to ferry iron, limestone and coal from the Welsh valleys to Newport. According to the Canal and Rivers Trust, tramroads snaked down these hillsides to feed the canal, and in its heyday, places like Pontymoile Basin were buzzing with noise and steam due to the busy Lower Mills Sheet Metal Works and the Phoenix Galvanising Works. By 1948, those heavy industries had vanished, replaced by glassworks, which have also disappeared, leaving behind a peaceful pocket of heritage and wildlife. The landlocked canal which runs from Brecon to Cwmbran relies entirely on tourism and leisure (Image: John Myers ) The Trust also explains that neglect slowly choked parts of the canal for years, leaving sections unnavigable. At Bevan's Bridge, a housing development dumped spoil straight into the waterway, shallowing it so much that boats couldn't pass. Thankfully, the modern story of the Mon & Brec is a revival saga driven by passionate locals and community groups. 'There's an amazing volunteer group—Bridge 46 to Five Locks—who do fantastic work maintaining and updating the area,' says Kris. 'The community support here is really special.' They're not just weeding towpaths either; they're campaigning for full restoration of the canal from Brecon to Cwmbran, one overgrown lock at a time. Paddleboarders like me can now float past heritage sites, pubs, and curious terrapins thanks to their heroic efforts. And the canal's not just for walking or SUP-ing either. 'There are some fantastic independent businesses along the route,' Kris adds. 'Two we regularly visit and highly recommend are The Open Hearth Pub and The Canal Boat Café.' From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here There are some fantastic independent businesses along the route (Image: Portia Jones ) Let's face it, no epic paddleboarding adventure is complete without a pint in a pub garden or a bacon bap dished up from a narrowboat café. Feeling hungry, we pulled over at Pontymoile Basin, our halfway point on the return leg to Five Locks, and the southernmost tip where boats can still navigate the Mon & Brec. Sandwiched between Bridge 51A and Bridge 53, this basin was the former junction where the Brecknock and Abergavenny Canal met the Monmouthshire Canal. These days, it's a busy spot where boaters, walkers and paddlers can stop for a coffee and a bap and admire the view. Just upstream of the elegant, Grade II-listed Bridge 52, the canal pinches in this narrow spot, which was once a toll point where boats were gauged for charges as they passed from one canal to the next. The Boatyard Tearoom, a charming Dutch barge turned café, makes for a cracking pit stop mid-paddle (Image: Portia Jones ) But we weren't just here to admire canal heritage, we had toastie business. The Boatyard Tearoom, a charming Dutch barge turned café, makes for a cracking pit stop mid-paddle. I treated myself to an enormous cheese and ham toastie while Kris filled me in on the more complex side of canal life. 'Restoration's come a long way,' he said, 'but it's not without its challenges.' One of the biggest? Water retention. A long-running dispute between the Canal & River Trust and regulator Natural Resources Wales has threatened sections of the waterway. As previously reported by Wales Online, the CRT is now required to limit its abstraction from the Usk, which poses a serious risk to the future viability of the canal. Boats on the stunning Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (Image: John Myers ) The trust now faces a choice of having to pay an eyewatering £1 million or more for the water supply that has been free for two centuries or severely restrict use of the canal. If water levels drop too low, it's not just the boating community that suffers; everyone who depends on canal life will, too. And that's a lot of people. The Mon & Brec winds its way through towns and villages that thrive on the visitors drawn to its peaceful towpaths, places like Talybont-on-Usk, Llangattock, Govilon and Goytre Wharf, where pubs, cafés, bike hire spots and little shops all rely on the passing trade of walkers, cyclists and boaters. If the canal dries up, so does a vital source of local income for communities. While the water issues may still be ongoing, there's plenty of faith in passionate community groups like Bridge 46 to Five Locks, who continue highlighting the challenges, rallying local support, and pushing for lasting solutions. Their determination and the efforts of volunteers and canal enthusiasts are a big part of why this gorgeous waterway still has a fighting chance. And if you want to explore it for yourself? The best way is to hop on a paddleboard with someone who knows the canal inside out. (Image: SUP HIKE EXPLORE ) And if you want to explore it for yourself? The best way is to hop on a paddleboard with someone who knows the canal inside out. Kris from SUP Hike Explore offers guided SUP trips along the canal that are perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers. 'Booking with a provider like us takes the stress out of planning,' Kris explained. 'We handle everything from the canal license and insurance to providing all the gear you need, like wetsuits and PFDs.' With a qualified SUP Leader, you'll get local insight, safety tips, and a few pointers to level up your skills. Plus, you won't have to worry about the logistics. Article continues below It's also a brilliant way to meet fellow paddlers, soak up canal history, and get a few paddle-perfect photos along the way. Come for the paddle, stay for the toasties and leave with a newfound love for this beautiful canal. Book your guided trip here.
South Wales Argus
01-05-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Argus
Canal charity issue swimming warning during hot weather
Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has warned people to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather. The charity, which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, has said there are hidden risks under the surface of the water. Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health and safety at Glandŵr Cymru, said: "Spending time on or by Britain's waterways is a lovely way to spend a spring or summer's day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the warm weather. "But it's also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. "The consequences can be devastating." The charity has said that locks and weirs have hidden risks that make them dangerous to swim in. Locks have hidden 'shelves', called cills, which can seriously injure someone should they jump in, and weirs have strong currents which can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water. The charity has said that if people do end up in the water and find themselves in difficulty, they should remember 'Float To Live'. This involves tilting your head back with ears submerged, relaxing and trying to control your breathing, and using your hands to help you stay afloat. If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember 'Call Tell Throw'. This involves calling 999 to get help, telling the struggling person to float on their back, and throwing the person something which floats, such as a life ring, a football or a bottle. For more information, visit the Canal Rivers Trust website.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Emergency water supply for at-risk Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
An historical canal will be given an emergency water supply to stop it from running dry in Canal and River Trust, which runs the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, has used money which was earmarked for repairs to buy a short-term supply from Welsh Water. But the charity said this was a "stop gap" and it could not continue "to shoulder the full financial burden" because, if recent dry weather continued, it could cost up to £100,000 a week to remedy. Welsh Water said it was pleased the agreement did not incur costs for customers or risk drinking water. Water will start being taken from the Usk Reservoir between Brecon and Llandovery from the early hours of Saturday. The charity said the cost would vary depending on rainfall and therefore river levels, but warned if current conditions persist, "it's likely we'll be paying as much as £100,000 per week".It said it had diverted money away from planned maintenance and repairs to secure "a stop gap water supply". It added this would have consequences for the its programme of maintenance and was therefore a "risk" for the England and Wales canal network. The difficulties facing the canal were first outlined in a letter sent to local businesses by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales, in February. It explained the 225-year old canal, which once transported iron and coal to Newport docks, had relied on funnelling water from the River Usk and its tributaries, which accounted for between 80% and 90% of its water changes in legislation, designed in part to protect rivers in the face of climate change, mean licences are now required, restricting the amount of water that can be the charity fears the dry start to 2025 means the canal could run start to run dry in days without imminent rainfall. A petition in the Senedd, calling on the Welsh government to help preserve the canal, has obtained more than 10,000 signatures. The River Usk is a designated special area of conservation protected by law, due to its importance for rare wildlife including the Atlantic salmon, which is threatened with extinction from warned limits on the water taken from the Usk were needed so species and habitats had sufficient water to survive. Mark Evans, director of Glandŵr Cymru, accepted this, but said, were the canal to dry out, the effects on the historic structure and thriving ecology could be catastrophic, with jobs and tourism in south Wales irreparably impacted. Richard Parry, the Canal and River Trust's chief executive, said it was not "sustainable for a charity to shoulder the full financial burden of this new legislative requirement". "The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal has never before faced such restrictions to its water supply or had to pay for the water it needs to stay open for the public to enjoy and for the nature that depends upon it to thrive," he said."While this sticking plaster solution buys us some time, it is unfortunately short-term only. The pressure remains to urgently find a viable long-term solution for the canal. "We will continue to call on the Welsh government to help secure a more sustainable future for this beautiful canal that brings so much to the area." The Welsh government previously said "protecting and enhancing our environment and natural resources is key to addressing the climate and nature emergencies".It added any arrangement between the canal and Welsh Water would be a commercial contractual decision in which it should not be Water said it was "pleased to have come to an agreement to support the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal that covers the cost of providing the water and doesn't incur additional costs for our customers or put at risk the supply of drinking water over the summer"."We will continue to work closely with the Canal and Rivers Trust, Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government on a longer-term solution that can support the canal beyond the coming year," it added.
