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.

Public meeting draws 150 as MP vows to raise issue in Parliament

HENRY TUFNELL MP chaired a major public meeting last week to address the worsening condition of the Cleddau River, bringing together key stakeholders, environmental experts, and community members in a call for urgent action.

The event, organised by local environmental group The Cleddau Project, took place at Haverfordwest Rugby Club and drew over 150 concerned residents. It followed Natural Resources Wales’ recent classification of the Cleddau as the worst-performing Special Area of Conservation (SAC) river in Wales.

The panel discussion focused on pollution sources, enforcement failures, and practical solutions to restore the river’s health. Panellists included representatives from Afonydd Cymru, Welsh Water, NRW, Cardiff University, and First Milk.

Speaking after the event, Henry Tufnell MP said: “The Cleddau is a vital natural resource, and last night’s discussion highlighted the urgent need for action. The insight shared by our expert panel and members of the community reinforced the importance of tackling pollution at its source and ensuring our regulatory bodies are held accountable.

“I am committed to continuing this fight for cleaner water and a healthier environment for future generations.”

Ric Cooper of The Cleddau Project said: “The Cleddau Project has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the ongoing pollution issues facing the river. It was encouraging to see so many people engaged in this discussion, but we need to ensure that words translate into concrete action.”

During a lively open-floor Q&A, residents voiced deep concerns over the lack of enforcement on illegal discharges, the role of agriculture and industry in pollution, and what they saw as a failure by regulatory bodies to hold offenders accountable.

Concluding the evening, Henry Tufnell MP pledged to bring the matter to Westminster: “This discussion was an important step, but it must be followed by action. I will be raising these issues in Parliament and pushing for stronger regulations and enforcement. The Cleddau deserves better, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure its restoration.”

Notable quotes from the panel:

• Jennifer Grubb, Welsh Water: “We can do better. We need to do better.”
• Mark Brooking, First Milk: “The Cleddau Project has had a massive influence on First Milk … our attitude has completely changed. How good can we become? It’s not just about passing a test.”
• Gail Davies-Walsh, Afonydd Cymru: “Is NRW meeting its role as a regulator in Wales and taking appropriate actions on the organisations that impact our rivers? We need much stronger enforcement against the existing regulations.”
• Huwel Manly, NRW: “One of the [Cleddau] waterbodies is the worst failure of all SAC rivers in Wales (out of 330).”
• Prof Steve Ormerod, Cardiff University: “There should be investment in helping farmers to farm in a better way that doesn’t have such a large negative downstream effect.”