Monmouthshire County Council has welcomed the announcement from the Welsh and UK Governments of a £1 million fund dedicated to transforming the River Wye.
The new joint research initiative aims to address water quality issues in the River Wye by investigating pollution sources, assessing the impacts of farming practices, and developing innovative solutions to improve water quality.
As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Monmouthshire County Council continues to work collaboratively with the Welsh and UK Governments, neighbouring councils within the Wye Partnership, the Wye Catchment Nutrient Management Board, and local stakeholders. These efforts align with the council’s Climate and Nature Strategy, which seeks to implement meaningful actions to protect and restore the region’s natural environment.
The cross-border research programme will:
- Investigate the sources of pollution and pressures affecting the river
- Study the effects of changing farming practices and land management
- Develop and test new methods for improving water quality
- Examine the factors driving wildlife decline and water flow, which are crucial for maintaining habitats and species
Monmouthshire County Council has reaffirmed its dedication to cleaning up local rivers, having previously passed a Motion for the Rivers and Ocean. Recognising the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of these waterways, the council acknowledges the ongoing threats posed by pollution, agricultural runoff, development pressures, plastic waste, and climate change.
The investment, announced on 11 March 2025, will support the council and its partners in safeguarding the future of local rivers.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “The £1million investment in research is very welcome. As a citizen scientist, I test my local river weekly, and as a council, we’re committed to doing everything we can to tackle climate change and protect the natural environment. We work with our partners across local authorities and sectors in the Wye and Usk catchment partnerships, and were delighted to welcome the Ministers from the UK as well as the Welsh Government to Monmouth this week, and to see them sitting side by side and pledging their commitment to saving our rivers.”
