Latest news with #NRW
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Natural Resources Wales urges visitors to act responsibly
With the country expecting another busy season across its national parks, forests, and nature reserves, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is reminding the public to follow the Countryside Code amid rising concerns over littering, wildfires, and anti-social behaviour. Joseph Conran, lead specialist advisor for outdoor access and recreation at NRW, said: "Wales offers such an amazing backdrop for your individual or family adventures. "From on-the-doorstep fun in your local park or woodland, weekends away to splash in the waters of our beautiful beaches, to longer trips exploring the majesty and mystery of our mountains, it has something for everyone and we love to give a 'croeso cynnes' (warm welcome) to responsible visitors. "For many, the summer months are a time for relaxing, having fun and recharging batteries. "However, it's also the busiest time of year in the outdoors, and can unfortunately lead to increased incidents of injury, damage to our environment or antisocial behaviour. "The Countryside Code has been with us for generations as a gentle reminder of how we can respect the places we visit. "By following its simple messages, you can feel confident that you are doing the right thing for yourselves, other people and the environment." NRW has reported a 400 per cent rise in wildfires following a warm and dry spring. The agency is urging people not to light campfires, discard cigarettes, or leave litter, especially glass bottles, in the countryside. People are being told to avoid barbecues during dry weather and only use them in designated areas at other times. Fly-camping, or camping without a landowner's permission, is also being discouraged due to its associated fire risks. NRW advises visitors to book official campsites instead. With rising temperatures, many people may be tempted to swim in open water. NRW warns the public to check for hidden dangers, strong currents, and safe exit points before entering the water. Waterfalls are particularly hazardous due to turbulent, recirculating currents. The safest place to swim outdoors is at a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags. NRW recommends the AdventureSmart UK website for guidance on open water swimming. Visitors are also encouraged to plan ahead, respect private land, and leave no trace of their visit. The Countryside Code, which applies to all outdoor areas including coastlines, parks, and waterways, can be found on the NRW website.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
New award for Wales to bring forest education to youngsters
The Welsh edition of the award was launched by the Royal Forestry Society, with support from Natural Resources Wales, at the Royal Welsh Show. It will help inspire youngsters to learn about their local trees and woodlands. Since its launch in 2019, 100,000 children and young people have participated in the RFS Junior Forester Award across England and Scotland. The Welsh award means those in Wales can now take part in activities and resources which meet the specific needs of the Curriculum for Wales. The six-session programme, available in Welsh and English, is designed to suit all ages from four to 14 and aims to give children the skills and knowledge to care for the trees in their school grounds and in the wider community. The Welsh edition includes an explanation of how each section relates to the Curriculum for Wales, links to NRW resources, ideas for places to visit and Welsh projects to get involved in. Becky Wilkinson, author of the JFA, said: 'Over the past six years, it has been wonderful to see how much children have benefitted from the Junior Forester Award and enjoyed taking responsibility for the trees in their community.' Lyndsey Rawlinson, NRW's head of land stewardship, said: 'As managers of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate covering 126,000 hectares we welcome this award which helps children and young people gain an insight into forestry. 'Trees play an essential role in delivering our well-being objectives to help nature and people thrive and children are key to helping deliver this for future generations.' The award can be used by schools, community organisations or families who want to get their kids or pupils engaged in their natural surroundings. All that is needed is access to a small number of trees, a free downloadable Junior Forester Award handbook for the leader and a booklet for each child. Downloadable certificates are provided for free by the RFS and optional badges are available for purchase on the RFS online shop.
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water ordered to make 'urgent' changes
The call comes from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which reported 155 pollution incidents linked to the company in 2024. Of these, 132 were from sewerage assets and 23 related to water supply. Nadia De Longhi, head of regulation and permitting at NRW, said: "We've seen a huge deterioration in the performance of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water since 2020, and despite repeated warnings and interventions they've been unable to reverse this concerning trend. "This has left us with no choice but to pursue a number of prosecutions against the company which have recently concluded." Sewage-related incidents have risen steadily, up from 89 in 2022 and 107 in 2023, marking a 42 per cent increase over the past decade. Of the total, six were classified as serious, though this was down from seven last year. NRW says most incidents originated from foul sewers (423), storm overflows (168), and water treatment works (166) over the past 10 years. The regulator has taken several actions, including securing prosecutions related to pollution on the Gwent Levels and a tributary of the Afon Llwyd. NRW has also pushed for record environmental investment between 2025 and 2030 through the Ofwat price review and issued new guidance on when storm overflows are breaching environmental permits. In 2025, NRW will introduce a team to increase monitoring of water company discharges and begin implementing Pollution Incident Reduction Plans under new legislation. The regulator will also tighten annual performance assessment criteria, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, starting January 1, 2026. Ms De Longhi said: "This is not the outcome we want, nor the best outcome for the environment – our priority will always be to bring companies into compliance and prevent environmental damage from happening in the first place. "We continue to do everything we can to drive improvements, but Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water must address the root cause of these pollution incidents and take preventative measures before more harm is done to the water environment." Hafren Dyfrdwy, which provides drinking water and wastewater services to some of the mid and north Wales border counties, was responsible for five pollution incidents – two of which were from sewerage assets. This also represents an increase from one sewage pollution incident in 2023 and four in total. Neither company met NRW's 80 per cent target for self-reporting incidents, though Dŵr Cymru improved from 70 per cent in 2023 to 74 per cent in 2024.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Sea lamprey return to River Dee after Erbistock weir removal
Fisheries experts discovered 25 sea lamprey nests upstream of the former Erbistock weir on the River Dee. The finding comes one year after the EU-funded LIFE Dee River project, led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), removed the weir last summer. Joel Rees-Jones, project manager for the LIFE Dee River scheme, said: "Seeing these redds above the Erbistock weir removal site is genuinely exciting. "It clearly shows that by reconnecting habitats and removing barriers like Erbistock weir, we're giving iconic species such as lamprey and Atlantic salmon a fighting chance to thrive and build healthy populations. "This is a huge win for biodiversity on the Dee, and demonstrates that ambitious river restoration like this can deliver immediate, measurable benefits for wildlife and improve the health of these vital ecosystems." Lamprey, a protected and ancient species, had been unable to pass the three-metre-high, 70-metre-wide Erbistock weir to reach upstream spawning areas. Salmon also faced delays and obstacles at the site, threatening their survival. The removal of the weir, which had blocked fish passage for nearly 200 years, has now opened up 4km of critical habitat and restored free movement for all fish species. Earlier this month, the project team captured drone footage of a lamprey nest just 40 metres downstream of Manley Hall gauging weir. However, the concentration of nests below this remaining barrier highlights that it too is restricting further upstream migration. READ MORE: Hundreds of volunteers praised as 'heart and soul' of Llangollen Eisteddfod The Ship Hotel named finalist as the Leader searches for 'Best Pub 2025' Mr Rees-Jones said: "While we're thrilled by what we've achieved so far, our surveys confirm that Manley Hall is the next major hurdle. "That's why we're already planning targeted works here for next year, aiming to improve passage and ensure the benefits of a free-flowing Dee are fully realised." The Erbistock weir removal, completed in 2024, is part of broader efforts by the LIFE Dee River project to restore the River Dee and Llyn Tegid Special Area of Conservation. More information about the project is available on its official webpage.
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water ordered to make 'urgent' changes
The call comes from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which reported 155 pollution incidents linked to the company in 2024. Of these, 132 were from sewerage assets and 23 related to water supply. Nadia De Longhi, head of regulation and permitting at NRW, said: "We've seen a huge deterioration in the performance of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water since 2020, and despite repeated warnings and interventions they've been unable to reverse this concerning trend. "This has left us with no choice but to pursue a number of prosecutions against the company which have recently concluded." Sewage-related incidents have risen steadily, up from 89 in 2022 and 107 in 2023, marking a 42 per cent increase over the past decade. Of the total, six were classified as serious, though this was down from seven last year. NRW says most incidents originated from foul sewers (423), storm overflows (168), and water treatment works (166) over the past 10 years. The regulator has taken several actions, including securing prosecutions related to pollution on the Gwent Levels and a tributary of the Afon Llwyd. NRW has also pushed for record environmental investment between 2025 and 2030 through the Ofwat price review and issued new guidance on when storm overflows are breaching environmental permits. In 2025, NRW will introduce a team to increase monitoring of water company discharges and begin implementing Pollution Incident Reduction Plans under new legislation. The regulator will also tighten annual performance assessment criteria, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, starting January 1, 2026. Ms De Longhi said: "This is not the outcome we want, nor the best outcome for the environment – our priority will always be to bring companies into compliance and prevent environmental damage from happening in the first place. "We continue to do everything we can to drive improvements, but Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water must address the root cause of these pollution incidents and take preventative measures before more harm is done to the water environment." Hafren Dyfrdwy, which provides drinking water and wastewater services to some of the mid and north Wales border counties, was responsible for five pollution incidents – two of which were from sewerage assets. This also represents an increase from one sewage pollution incident in 2023 and four in total. Neither company met NRW's 80 per cent target for self-reporting incidents, though Dŵr Cymru improved from 70 per cent in 2023 to 74 per cent in 2024.
