Natural Resources Wales is beginning work to return boulders to sections of the River Wye at Llangurig as part of a major restoration project.
The work aims to improve river habitats, support wildlife and restore more natural river processes.
Boulders are a natural feature of the River Wye in the area but many have been removed over time for various reasons.
They play an important role in healthy river systems by creating different flow patterns and providing pools, shelter and habitats for fish and aquatic invertebrates.
The stretch of river being restored is particularly important for Atlantic salmon and trout, providing spawning habitats and areas where young parr can shelter and grow.
Atlantic salmon need to be robust before beginning their migration downstream to the sea.
Surveys carried out by the project team found salmon and trout parr in areas where boulders remain, while numbers were much lower in sections where they had been removed.
The team will continue to monitor the river after the work to assess its response and measure changes in habitats and wildlife.
The boulder reintroduction will complement wider work already being carried out with farmers and landowners around Llangurig.
This includes planting trees along the river to provide additional shelter and shade.
Together, the measures are intended to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients and pollutants entering the river, while supporting farming and river systems that are more resilient to extreme weather.
Brendan Adair, Project Manager for the Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project, said:
“We’ve spent the last two years building a detailed understanding of this stretch of river through surveys and monitoring, so we can target the work where it has the greatest benefit. We’re particularly interested in how the reintroduction of boulders can improve survival rates for young Atlantic salmon, a key species that needs all the support we can provide.
“This work sits alongside the wider changes we’re making with farmers and landowners around Llangurig. By tackling pressures both within the river and across the surrounding catchment, we can build a healthier and more resilient River Wye for the future.”
The project is working with farmers, landowners and local organisations to address pressures affecting the River Wye Special Area of Conservation, restore habitats, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.
