OVER 24,000 trees have been planted along the banks of four south Wales rivers to help reduce nutrient pollution, improve water quality and help protect nature.

The Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Four Rivers for LIFE project has been busy this tree planting season on the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers.

In partnership with organisations like the National Trust, West Wales Rivers Trust, County Councils and contractors a total of 24,160 native trees have been planted with the aim of reducing nutrient pollution, improving water quality and helping to protect nature.

The trees will soak up excess nutrients from agricultural land run off, improve downstream water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

The corridors of trees, averaging 10metres in width, act as buffer strips between farmland and the river and have been planted on land that has been fenced to create riparian strips.

Robert Thomas, Four Rivers for LIFE Land Management Officer said: “As the trees mature they will act as an important filter, reducing the amount of excess nutrients reaching the rivers, helping to improve the overall condition of these special rivers.”

As well as providing benefits to the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river, in time as the trees mature and grow, they will stabilise riverbanks, reduce erosion and soil loss to the river, provide shelter for livestock and shade the river, keeping the water cool for fish.

Simon Rose, Woodland Project Ranger at National Trust Brecon Beacons said: “We have been delighted to work alongside NRW’s Four Rivers for LIFE team and the Woodland Trust at Ty Mawr Farm. This collaborative effort exemplifies the very objectives we seek to achieve through ongoing engagement with volunteer and corporate groups, students from Black Mountains College, and staff from similar organisations on team-building days.”

“Together, we are planting trees and hedgerows that will provide essential food sources and create connected woodlands, fostering the growth of wildlife and the flourishing of habitats.”

The Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk Rivers are classed as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), 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.

DUE to growing safety concerns over an increasing number of loose surface tiles at both the main swimming pool and the learner pool, Carmarthenshire County Council has made the decision to close the pools at Carmarthen Leisure Centre from 14 April 2025 to allow for essential repair works.

The repairs are expected to take approximately three months to complete.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has been published on the Council’s Actif website to provide up-to-date information for members and users.

Although the Council recognises that there is never an ideal time for such work, the escalating safety risk has led to the urgent need to bring forward the planned repairs.

In recent months, the Council had implemented temporary safety measures, including tile repairs and the installation of pool mats. However, it is now necessary to carry out a full relining of both pools. Additional improvements will also be made to enhance the customer experience during this closure period.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

“We understand that many customers will have questions about how this will impact their use of the health suite, swimming lessons, access to swimming clubs, and swim sessions included in memberships.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time. The Council has already begun contacting stakeholders and users with more specific information and will continue to do so in the coming days.

“Our aim is to minimise disruption and, where possible, provide alternative options for users and members.”

The Council is finalising arrangements and will provide regular updates throughout the closure via its website and social media channels, including updates to the FAQ page.

PLAID CYMRU have accused the First Minister, Eluned Morgan (pictured), of lacking any real influence over the UK Government following a tense session of the Senedd’s Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister on Friday (Mar 28).

During the session, the First Minister admitted she could not recall the name of the individual she spoke with at Number 10 Downing Street regarding UK Labour’s proposed cuts to welfare spending.

She also said she was “reserving judgement” on the changes until a Welsh-specific impact assessment had been carried out — despite the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, stating that the First Minister had already written in support of the cuts.

The Welsh Government reportedly contacted the UK Government over a week ago to request an impact assessment, but has yet to receive a response.

Responding to the session, Plaid Cymru MS and committee member Llŷr Gruffydd said: “Some of the First Minister’s comments in committee this morning were, quite frankly, jaw-dropping. She said she was ‘reserving judgement’ on Labour’s welfare changes — but the Secretary of State says she’s already backed them.

“She went on to admit that her conversations with Number 10 weren’t with the Prime Minister or any ministers. If her influence only extends to a middle-ranking official, then it’s clear it doesn’t exist.

“Today’s session made it abundantly clear that the First Minister has no direct influence in Westminster. This so-called ‘partnership in power’ is failing to deliver, and it shows that Labour in Wales is unable to move the dial on devolution.

“For Labour and the First Minister, it will always be party before country. It’s time for a fresh start — a Plaid Cymru government would always be relentless in standing up for Wales.”