DWR CYMRU Welsh Water is urging a shift away from traditional concrete-heavy infrastructure in favour of nature-based solutions to improve river water quality across Wales.

At an event held today (Apr 9) at the Royal College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, organised in partnership with Wildlife Trusts Wales and Afonydd Cymru, Welsh Water will highlight the environmental benefits of “green” solutions—such as wetlands and catchment interventions—over carbon-intensive alternatives.

The utility company argues that relying on ‘grey’ infrastructure, including large-scale storm tanks and chemical-based treatment systems, contributes to high carbon emissions and doesn’t provide long-term sustainability for rivers or surrounding ecosystems.

Among the projects being showcased is a pioneering wetland scheme in North Wales. The scheme, based near the Tremeirchion wastewater treatment works on the River Clwyd, will use over 30,000 wetland plants to remove phosphorous from treated water—improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing carbon output. It is the first of its kind in Wales to use wetlands for wastewater treatment.

Although green infrastructure can be more expensive upfront, Welsh Water emphasises that these systems are climate-resilient and better suited to long-term environmental goals.

More than 60 organisations from across Wales, Herefordshire and Chester are attending the Cardiff event. The agenda includes storm overflow reduction, urban drainage innovations, boosting ecosystem resilience, and addressing phosphorus pollution in rivers.

Key speakers include Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs; Owen Derbyshire, CEO of Keep Wales Tidy; Gail Davies Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru; and Rachel Sharp, CEO of Wildlife Trusts Wales.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “Improving the health of our rivers is one of the defining environmental challenges we face—and it’s clear that the old ways alone won’t deliver the change we need.

“Nature-based solutions offer a powerful, climate-resilient alternative to traditional infrastructure. They restore biodiversity and support our communities. I welcome Dŵr Cymru’s commitment to working across sectors to put nature at the heart of our approach.”

Jenny Grubb, Environment Advisor and Stakeholder Manager for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said:
“Welsh Water is investing £2.5 billion over the next five years on projects to improve the environment. No single sector can fix our rivers alone. That’s why we’re seeking partnerships with organisations focused on delivering environmental improvements. Our hope is that collaborative working will boost our investment and lead to the water quality improvements we all want to see.”

Rachel Sharp of Wildlife Trusts Wales added: “In a changing climate, nature is one of the most effective and affordable ways to absorb the impacts of extreme weather—whether flooding or drought. From restoring upland peat bogs and planting trees to creating wetlands, nature-based solutions can offer real win-win outcomes for people and wildlife.”

Gail Davies Walsh, CEO of Afonydd Cymru, said: “We’re pleased to be part of this collaborative event. Long-term, realistic solutions to climate and human-driven river issues must be co-designed by organisations from all sectors. Wales has real potential to scale up catchment-wide, nature-based approaches that secure clean and healthy rivers for the future.”

Passengers diverted as Fishguard-Rosslare service still affected

FISHGUARD ferry services have faced another day of disruption, with early hopes of a return to normal sailings dashed again this morning (Tuesday, April 8).

The 1:30am sailing of the Stena Nordica was once again cancelled, marking several consecutive days without service on the Fishguard-Rosslare route. The vessel has not sailed since the early hours of Saturday (April 5).

Stena Line has blamed a combination of adverse weather and an ongoing technical issue for the disruption, which began when Saturday’s 2:00pm sailing was delayed and subsequently cancelled. This also resulted in the evening return crossing from Rosslare being called off.

Passengers affected by the cancellations were either transferred to the Holyhead-Dublin route or remained on board in the hope of a later departure.

Among those onboard on Saturday was George Holland, a regular ferry passenger, who had planned a day trip. He reported that the ferry was busy, with 96 vehicles and many families travelling at the start of the Easter holidays.

Despite expectations that Sunday services might resume, sailings remained suspended, and affected passengers were rerouted via Irish Ferries’ Pembroke Dock to Rosslare service.

Hopes were again raised for a resumption of service on Monday (April 7), but that afternoon’s 2:00pm sailing and the corresponding evening return crossing were also cancelled.

A spokesperson for Stena Line said: “Due to a technical issue with Stena Nordica, sailings on the Rosslare-Fishguard route were cancelled over the weekend and on Monday, April 7. Engineers are working onboard to resolve the issue, and it is currently anticipated that sailings will resume at 1:30am on Tuesday, April 8.”

However, the scheduled early morning crossing did not take place, with Stena’s website again citing a technical issue. Passengers were again transferred to Irish Ferries.

At the time of writing, today’s 2:00pm departure from Fishguard and the 7:30pm return from Rosslare remain on the schedule.

Residents evacuated as crews tackle blaze for over three hours

A HOUSE in the Tregynwr area of Carmarthen has collapsed following a major fire on Monday evening (Apr 7).

The blaze broke out at around 6:50pm at a two-storey terraced home on Haulfryn, Llangunnor. Fire crews arrived to find the property “well alight” and fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from Carmarthen, Tumble, Kidwelly, Pontyates, Whitland and Morriston were called in to tackle the blaze, using four hose reel jets, six sets of breathing apparatus, a turntable ladder, and a safety jet to bring the fire under control.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the house sustained such extensive damage that it “fully collapsed.” Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

An adjoining house was checked and found to be safe from fire spread, but neighbours were evacuated overnight as a precaution.

The fire prompted a multi-agency response, with Dyfed-Powys Police managing road closures, and support on site from Western Power and Wales & West Utilities.

Fire crews left the scene at 10:06pm but returned later to damp down remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.