THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week (Mar 31) published the independently chaired review of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, led by Dr Susannah Bolton, alongside its response committing to implement all recommendations in full.

The review, which examined the effectiveness of measures to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources, found that while the current regulatory approach is sound, there are significant opportunities to make improvements to benefit the environment and farmers. This includes improved targeting, reducing burdens on low-risk farming activities, increasing clarity for farmers and addressing regulatory gaps.

Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Clean water in our rivers, lakes and seas is vital for us all. We need it for drinking, enjoying the outdoors, and growing food – all parts of our daily lives depend on it, and we must do everything possible to improve water quality for future generations.

“However, water quality in Wales is still being detrimentally impacted and improvements must continue to be made. Whilst the causes of pollution are not limited to any one sector, agriculture remains one of the main contributors.

“I would like to thank Dr Bolton for her thorough work on this review. Her extensive engagement with stakeholders has produced recommendations that demonstrate that those raising concerns have been listened to.

“The review agrees with our overall approach to the regulations but also shows ways we can make things better for both farmers and our environment. I plan to put all these recommendations into action.

“The existing rules will stay in place while the recommendations are taken forward and we will work together with all interested groups to develop these changes. We will make sure any new rules are fair and reasonable, while still focusing on our main goal – to reduce pollution from farming activities.”

The independent review makes recommendations in five key areas:

Better targeting regulations at polluting activities while reducing burdens on low-risk farming
Improving accessibility and clarity of regulations for farmers
Exploring alternative measures, particularly regarding closed periods and the 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit
Supporting innovation in farming practices
Addressing regulatory gaps, including soil protection measures and nutrient management planning
Dr Susannah Bolton, who led the review, said: “The engagement I have conducted for this review has demonstrated that there are strongly shared aspirations for improving water quality in Wales. I am genuinely optimistic that the recommended changes to the regulation will enable a greater degree of common agency and shared responsibility to address the challenges.”

Some changes, particularly those making regulations more accessible and clearer, will be implemented quickly. However, more complex recommendations requiring scientific and agronomic expertise will take longer to develop.

THE ANNUAL boat lift at Tenby Harbour got underway at dawn on Monday (March 31), as a towering red crane carefully lowered vessels from the harbour’s hard-standing back into the sea—signalling the town’s preparations for the busy season ahead.

A longstanding tradition in Tenby, the boat lift marks the symbolic shift from the quiet of winter to the energy of spring and summer. County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It brings a feeling of spring and hope. It’s a sign that the town is waking up and getting ready for another busy season.”

In previous years, the event has drawn early-morning spectators who gather to watch the precision required to manoeuvre boats of all shapes and sizes into the harbour. Last year, the lift was postponed due to high winds and heavy sea swells. Despite the challenging weather, the crane arrived by 5:00am and the operation concluded later that morning.

As is tradition, the lift follows the annual ‘Blessing of the Boats’ service at St Julian’s Church—affectionately known as the “little church on the harbour.”

This year, favourable weather meant the lift went ahead smoothly and on schedule, much to the relief of organisers and boat owners alike. The sight of boats gently returning to the water serves as a vivid reminder of Tenby’s strong maritime identity and the community’s eagerness for the approaching tourist season.

Adding to the town’s growing reputation, Tenby was recently named one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2025. Events such as the Tenby Steampunk Festival—complete with Victorian costumes and peacock parades—continue to enhance its unique charm.

With boats once again bobbing in the harbour, residents and visitors are looking forward to the return of the vibrant atmosphere that defines Tenby in the warmer months.

(Image: Gareth Davies Photography)

• ERS Cymru says voluntary guidance risks undoing progress on representation

POLITICAL parties in Wales have been warned that gender representation in the Senedd could go backwards at the next election, unless decisive action is taken to ensure diversity among candidates.

New guidance published by the Welsh Government on Monday (Mar 31) encourages parties to improve representation through measures such as voluntary gender quotas and better monitoring of diversity data.

But campaigners have said the guidance does not go far enough—and could leave the door open to some parties failing to act.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS Cymru) has warned that the dropping of legislation which would have made gender quotas mandatory poses a real risk to women’s representation at the next election, due in 2026.

The Senedd made global headlines in 2003 when it became the first parliament in the world to achieve gender parity, with half of its members being women. However, that figure has since declined to 43 percent. With the number of Senedd seats set to rise to 96 next year, campaigners fear the proportion of female MSs could fall further.

The new guidance also includes recommendations to monitor and publish diversity data and to take steps to tackle abuse and harassment against candidates.

ERS Cymru Director Jess Blair said the responsibility now rests with the political parties themselves.

She said: “Wales was the first legislature anywhere in the world to achieve equal representation of women in 2003. This was an area where we led not only the UK but globally.

“Yet in recent years, it is disappointing to see that we have slipped back and now fall behind the Scottish Parliament in terms of female representation.

“Equal representation of women should be a basic requirement of Welsh democracy rather than an often-missed aspiration. This is something gender quotas would have enshrined in law, yet the Welsh Government dropped plans to legislate to make this a reality.

“As the guidance published today is voluntary, the responsibility of ensuring a gender-equal and diverse Senedd now falls squarely on the political parties and their selection processes.

“An expanded Senedd after the next election means there is an even greater onus on the political parties to ensure that the Senedd Siambr properly reflects the modern Wales it represents.

“A gender-equal and diverse Senedd will make better legislation that properly reflects the lived experience of all people in Wales. If political parties don’t grasp the nettle and ensure they implement these measures to improve the diversity of the next Senedd, it will be to the detriment of the Welsh electorate.”