Cycle 3 River Basin Management Plans (2021 to 2027): Interim Programme of Measures Progress Review

Introduction and overview of the Programme of Measures

The River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) were updated and published in 2022. As progress is made with their implementation, this report provides a summary of the review of progress of the Programme of Measures between 21 December 2021 and 31 March 2025. This review does not include a detailed evaluation of objectives at the waterbody scale as this is undertaken every six years, as required under the legislation; this will next be reported in the updated RBMPs planned for 2027.

Under the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 (WFDR), Regulation 34 (4) places an obligation on Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to prepare an interim report describing progress in the implementation of the planned programme of measures which will be made available for public access. 

“(4) The appropriate agency must, within three years of an updated river basin management plan being published under regulation 31(5):

(a) produce an interim report describing progress in the implementation of each planned programme of measures;

(b) publish that report in such manner as the appropriate agency considers appropriate.”

This review has been undertaken jointly with the Environment Agency for the Dee and Severn cross border River Basin Districts (RBDs) and for Wales, with input from the Wales Water Management Forum (WWMF) River Basin Planning task and finish group. It includes the headlines and a focus at the RBD scale. The Dee and Western Wales RBD are included and the Welsh part of the Severn. It includes recommendations to support ongoing delivery, tracking and reporting of the RBMPs.

Alongside this report, the recommendation of the Independent Water Commission’s final report and the outcomes of the Upper Costa Beck Judicial Review will also need to be taken into consideration. For the purpose of this report changes required from these have not been applied to this specific review due to timings of their publications.

Further information on the current RBMPs can be found here.

Types of measures

The Programme of Measures (measures) are a key part of the RBMPs to deliver the statutory objectives:

• Prevent deterioration: water bodies will not be allowed to deteriorate.
• Aim to achieve good overall status/potential for surface waters and ground waters: implement measures to achieve good overall status where they are technically feasible and not disproportionately costly.
• Achieve the objectives for protected areas: achieve the standards set by the relevant legislation under which they were designated. For water dependent European sites we will continue to work towards achieving conservation objectives. Achieving good status by 2027 will contribute towards meeting those objectives.

To do this requires combinations of measures which are delivered across many sectors, organisations, partnership projects as well as by the general public – we all have a role to play. The measures include:

• National measures. These usually apply to the whole of Wales, England and Wales, or the United Kingdom. In general these set the legislative, policy or strategic approach and support, or are critical to, local delivery and environmental outcomes. They also include some of the main delivery programmes.  For example, a national ban on using a particular chemical or a national strategy for prioritising and funding the remediation of abandoned mines.  National measures are available here on Water Watch Wales.
• Opportunity Catchment (OpC) measures. Having a local focus, these are actions that have been identified locally that are required to deliver WFDR outcomes, wider benefits to the water environment and contribute to well-being goals. These are the OpC measures and form a significant area of work for the current RBMPs, they are also collectively one of the national measures. Examples of local actions include progressing recommendations set out within river restoration plans, fish passage improvements under the Water Company Asset Management Plans (AMP) and securing regulatory compliance within the agricultural sector. Opportunity Catchment measures are available here on Water Watch Wales.
• Local measures, which include:
  • Local actions (committed) – these are those actions that aim to deliver WFDR Regulations 2017 objectives, wider benefits to water and/or for people where there is certainty around funding, resources, partnerships and/or timelines.
  • Future aims (potential local action) – the future aims are more aspirational, flexible measures where there is less certainty around implementation. Progress against these aspirational measures depends on such things as securing adequate funding, developing the right partnerships and may change should further evidence or information come to light. 

Many of the measures, both national and local, are delivered through the main delivery programmes including: Welsh Government’s Water Strategy for Wales; NRW’s WFDR driven programme; Catchment scale approaches through river restoration and sustainable fisheries opportunities; Protected Areas, including the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Nutrients Project; Flood and Coastal Risk management; Water Industry Investment Programme, including the storm overflow roadmap; water resources sustainability measures; sustainable land management – agriculture sustainable land management – woodland and forestry; Welsh Government Nature and Climate Emergency (NaCE) Capital Fund and the OpCs.

A source to sea approach is taken to aim to integrate these programmes to maximise the opportunities.

Summary of progress to April 2025

Overall for Wales, the Dee RBD, Western Wales RBD and Welsh part of the Severn RBD the status of the Programme of Measures is green. Section three provides further information  at the RBD scale. While the RBMPs continue to deliver and support the protection and restoration of our waters that does not mean the programme is without its challenges.

Each measure has been assigned one of the following states:

• Complete – the measure has been delivered.
• Green – ongoing, work to deliver the required action has commenced.
• Amber – work to deliver the required action has commenced, however it has been delayed, or progress has fallen short of what was expected.
• Red – work to deliver the required action has stalled, it is unlikely to achieve required deadlines unless planned steps are taken.
• Not started – work is yet to commence and delivery date has not passed.
• Stopped - work to deliver the required action has been halted for given reasons.
• Review – measure wording requires review to ensure it relates to the action required.
• Closed – measure is no longer required, as the action is being taken through other means.
• Other – for cross border measures, refer to the Environment Agency assigned reporting states.

The overall costs associated with the RBMPs are set out in the Summary RBMPs. In addition to this, for this cycle, the Welsh Government’s Nature and Climate Emergency fund (NaCE) has been an additional significant contribution in enabling and delivering projects. This includes support for water-related projects, focusing on enhancing water quality and biodiversity within river systems. Since 2020, £44.9 million has been provided for WFDR , Table 1 provides a summary of this.

Programme of Measures 

The National measures, including individual measure progress and a summary of the field titles and associated descriptions for these data, can be found on Water Watch Wales.

Table 1 provides a summary of the overall status of these. This includes progress within status where measures have been recorded as either ongoing, require closure or the measure need review. Overall, the status is green, with 78 of the 85 measures having a status of green.

Table 1 Summary of measure progress with status across the national measures

Progress	Green status	Amber status	Total
Closed	10	N/A	10
Completed	7	N/A	7
On hold	N/A	2	2
Ongoing	50	4	54
Review	11	1	12
Total	78	7	85

 
Table 2 provides a further breakdown of the national measures with the key delivery mechanisms within the RBMPs and shows where those measures include waterbody specific actions. This helps to make a distinction between measures that have locally focused actions, for example local river restoration actions through the River Restoration Programme (national measure) in contrast to other measures that are more enabling and protecting through, for example regulation, campaigns and advice. In the review of this data we have included this extra level of detail which enables a more effective way to track progress for those measures which have a waterbody scale measurable action and those that are much wider in scope. Both are essential to collectively protect and restore our catchments. Work is ongoing to improve how this level of detail is made available. Where currently available, additional links have been included within the data on Water Watch Wales, for example, a number of local measures are now available on the River Restoration Portal.

Table 2 Summary of national measure delivery mechanism and associated local actions

RBMP Delivery Mechanism	Without local actions	Outcome of the investigation may lead to specific actions	With local actions	Total
Financial incentives (include agricultural and forestry incentives)	2	N/A	N/A	2
General education or advice campaign or scheme	18	N/A	N/A	18
Investigations	N/A	5	N/A	5
Partnerships (includes WWMF)	2	N/A	1	3
Regulation	16	N/A	1	17
Research or demonstration projects or pilots	5	N/A	N/A	5
Strategic plans	15	1	10	26
Water company investment (AMP)	N/A	5	4	9
Total	58	11	16	85

The OpC measures set out for the ten OpCs represent the best suite of opportunities for addressing WFDR objectives and the wider Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and well-being outcomes. This approach has enabled staff resource to focus across NRW’s functions to support partners to deliver integrated catchment management solutions.

Table 3 provides a summary of the overall status of the committed measures; individual measure progress can be found on Water Watch Wales. 46 of the 92 measures have a status of green. Section 3 provides more information together with case studies at the RBD scale. Annex 1 also provides a summary of investment for each of the OpCs.

Table 3 Summary of committed measure progress across the Opportunity Catchments

Status	Number actions
Complete	13
Green	46
Amber	16
Red	8
Not Started	5
Stopped	4
Total	92

 

Since the updated RBMPs were published we have:

• Planned and delivered work through the Welsh Government capital funding programmes. From 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025, the NaCE programmes have had a combined value of £79,985,604. A summary is provided in Annex 1. The Water Quality Capital Programme has funded delivery of work through the ten OpCs, projects for the Marine OpC, river restoration, sustainable fisheries opportunities and the metal mines programme across Wales.
• The Marine OpC covers the transitional and coastal waters of four OpCs. Good working relationships have been established with individuals and partner organisations within these areas. Water quality improvement projects have been delivered, for example, during 2023 and 2024, the Marine OpC delivered 3.7 km of riparian fencing and planted 7700 trees, with a total of 2.7 ha of new riparian woodland and stock exclusion from a further 4 ha of riparian woodland.
• The National Peatland Action Programme is also funded through NaCE and has completed over 3200 ha of restoration activity, distributed £1.15 million to 13 peatland restoration partner organisations through three grant programmes. The programme has coordinated key strategic groups and networks to develop capability, share best practice and improve the flow of information. It has worked to improve planning policy to avoid impacts to irreplaceable peatland habitats as well as carrying out a peat depth and condition survey and invertebrate monitoring trials.
• Worked collaboratively with stakeholders, for example, environment team water quality regulation.
• The national measures have included work across all of Wales, not just within OpCs. For example, through the mine water programme and work at Cwm Rheidol.
• Where waterbodies are not achieving good status, we have continued to undertake investigations to inform our understanding of the reasons so that appropriate actions can be identified.
• We have continued to respond to incidents, many of which affect our waters. Details on our overall incident response and investigations work (2016 to 2024) is available at Wales Environmental Pollution Incidents.
• Work continues to address current and emerging challenges to address a broad range of pressures including nutrients at our designated sites through the SAC Nutrients Project and spills from storm overflows through the Wales Better River Quality Task Force. 
• Nutrient Management Boards, which include competent authorities, are producing an actionable Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) which sets out agreed actions, roles and responsibilities required to achieve the twin aims of reaching and maintaining favourable conservation status of the SAC, whilst also facilitating nutrient neutral development.  
• Water company investment programme between 2020 and 2025, which included £218 million to deliver their statutory environmental requirements. The programme included investigations and targeted investment to reduce the impacts of high spilling storm overflows, UK Chemicals Investigation Programme third phase (UKCIP3), and further investment at waste water treatment works to meet Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994 requirements.
• Continued to take a more integrated approach for catchments from source to sea. The Teifi Demonstrator Project started in 2023 and is one of a number of catchment approaches we are learning from to inform current and future approaches. Delivering the outcomes of the Four Rivers for LIFE and LIFE Dee River projects is ongoing. We are also moving into phase two of the Marine OpC approaches with the aim of reducing Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) inputs from source to sea.
• Made progress with mitigation measure assessments in some heavily modified water bodies to identify actions now funded for delivery under the Water Resources National Environment Programme.
• Explored and started to deliver better ways of providing more information on actions planned and delivered through the use of geospatial information including the River Restoration Portal and National Environment Programme Price Review for Water Company Investment.

Approaches have not been without their challenges. To support how we address these, this report includes a number of recommendations in Section 4.

River Basin Districts

Dee River Basin District (Wales and England)

The Dee RBD incorporates the national measures of both NRW and the Environment Agency, the Dee OpC local measures, and the work of the two cross-border Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) partnerships in the Middle Dee and Tidal Dee.  The LIFE Dee River project is as a key catchment indicative within this RBD.

A summary of measures progress as set out in the RBMP is provided in Table 4 with further detail available through Water Watch Wales and the River Restoration Portal.  Good progress is being made with work to benefit water and the wider environment:

• Securing improvements to water quality throughout the catchment, including a review of wastewater permits to reduce phosphorus and feasibility studies to reduce metal loading from abandoned metal mines in the Clywedog.
• Regulatory and advisory work with agricultural landowners and farm interventions, to reduce nutrient inputs and to protect soil.
• Improvements for fish migration for salmon, sea trout, lamprey species, bull head and eels in the main Dee and tributaries through a combination of weir removal, easements, fish passes and adaptive management of other assets.
• Building future resilience for rare species including freshwater pearl mussel and the scarce yellow sally stonefly, as well as riverine habitat restoration.
• Strengthening existing collaborations and building new ones. Examples include new ways of working to join up across north west and north east Wales, four water companies working together to plan drinking water catchment AMP delivery, Dee Nutrient Management Board, integrated approach to flood risk management, nature recovery opportunities with local nature partnerships on both sides of the border, inspiring and involving local communities around the species, habitats and quality of the river through to the coastal habitats in the estuary.
• Through CaBA actions across 18 measures, a summary is available at Middle Dee and Tidal Dee.

Table 4 Summary of measure progress across the Dee River Basin District

Status- Dee RBD	Actions NRW Opportunity Catchment	Actions Environment Agency
Complete	2	N/A
Green	3	1
Amber	7	N/A
Red	0	N/A
Not Started	0	N/A
Stopped	0	N/A
Total	12	1

Case Study

Project location: Bala, Gwynedd, in the Upper Dee Catchment 

Key partners: NRW, Welsh Dee Trust, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), Canoe Wales, and Eryri National Park.  

Main funding stream: NRW Water Resources funding 

Project description: Welsh salmon populations are increasingly under pressure, and salmon are a primary feature of the Afon Dyfrydwy a Llyn Tegid Special Area of Conservation. Over the last ten years, NRW has worked to understand if our regulation of the flows in the Dee, required by the Dee and Clwyd River Authority Act 1973, affects adult and juvenile salmon migration.

The regulation of flow is controlled by a number of weirs and structures, but Bala sluices are a key part of this management. These gates help control how much water is stored in Llyn Tegid and how much flows downstream. Flow regimes from Llyn Celyn can also affect how fish migrate through these sections of the Dee and Tryweryn.

Monitoring and tracking techniques have been used over the last eight years to better understand the movements of the fish through and around these structures. The evidence gathered is being used to change the way we work and how these assets are managed.  The Upper Dee Steering Group, with members from NRW, Welsh Dee Trust, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Canoe Wales, and Eryri National Park, have all overseen and contributed to the work throughout all stages.

Natural Resources Wales / Helping the River Dee thrive: How NRW is making a difference

Key outcomes: Positive changes for fish migration, including changing the way we operate the gates at Bala sluices, working with DCWW to release more water from Llyn Celyn to protect salmon eggs, responding to small rainfall events upstream of Llyn Tegid  and trying to mimic those flows downstream of the lake.  

Lessons learnt: Positive benefits of working with external steering group at all stages of the work, from inception and planning, to data analysis and changing operations. 

Challenges: Smolt tagging work is carried out at night, meaning unsociable working hours for staff; ongoing work to secure funding on a year on year basis; working with different stakeholder interests.  

Overall: Further data analysis to do, but collaboration with partners and using the evidence as we go along is key to making changes.

Western Wales River Basin District

There are six OpCs in the Western Wales RBD, and projects through the Marine OpC which have been working mainly in the Cleddau and Ynys Môn, but also Clwyd and Swansea Bay. The actions within these are on Water Watch Wales and some of these are also available geospatially on the River Restoration Portal. A summary of progress is provided in Table 5.

A lot of good work has been carried out across the RBD, and whilst the OpC have focused on six geographical areas, work has been delivered across the whole of the RBD. Work included targeted interventions, including fencing, hedging, riparian habitat improvement, improved cattle crossings and sustainable drainage schemes, which have been carried out using funding through the Water Quality Capital Programme. Additionally, the Four Rivers for LIFE project has carried out similar additional work within the Cleddau and Teifi catchments. Alongside these initiatives, the Teifi catchment Demonstration Project is also contributing to the catchment approaches within the RBD. Projects in the marine environment have been working on improving water quality and reducing nutrients to lagoons, coastal, and transitional waterways. NRW has worked in collaboration with many stakeholders to achieve joint aims for water across the RBD as a whole.

Table 5 Summary of measure progress across the Western Wales RBD

Status	Clwyd	Conwy	Ynys Môn	Teifi	Cleddau/ Milford Haven	Swansea Bay	Total
Overall status	Green	Green	Green	Green /amber	Amber	Green	Green
Complete	N/A	N/A	3	N/A	3	2	8
Green	7	5	3	2	3	5	25
Amber	N/A	1	2	2	1	1	7
Red	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4	4	8
Not started	2	N/A	1	N/A	N/A	N/A	3
Stopped	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4	4

 

Case Study

Project location: Cemlyn Bay SAC and Cemlyn Lagoon WFDR coastal water body

Key partners: National Trust, tenants, fencing contractors

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme

Source: Streams to SAC coastal lagoon

Project description: Water quality improvements to Cemlyn Bay SAC. Cemlyn lagoon has an identified water quality issue from diffuse pollution. Opportunistic macroalgae have been observed in the smaller western lagoon, but with issues in both.

Diffuse water pollution by nutrient enrichment is likely to be one causal factor. The small catchment is on farmland that drains via three small streams, leading into Cemlyn lagoon. The lagoon is part of the protected sites network and is a marine SAC, SSSI and SPA, as well as a nature reserve. The National Trust own the lagoon and the land around it, and they lease the lagoon and most of the SAC to the North Wales Wildlife Trust who run it as a nature reserve. The remaining National Trust land surrounding the lagoon is tenanted to three farms.

The aim of the partnership project is to improve water quality by preventing stock access to the lagoon and feeder streams or ponds. This reduces nutrients being able to access the lagoon. Alternative drinking sources have been provided for the animals using pipes and troughs. Some areas have been planted with hedging, or native trees, or as orchard. These were planted and provided by the National Trust. The National Trust is also working with the tenants to plant some traditional coastal grassland that is on land that drains to the lagoon. Many buffer areas are created and there will be corridors for wildlife and biodiversity. Overall, the measures aims to improve water quality and make the lagoon more resilient to diffuse water pollution and runoff. The farms also benefit from having access to clean drinking water for animals. In total there was nearly 2.7 km of new fencing, with over 1 km of water pipes and multiple new troughs.

Cemlyn Lagoon new fencing

Key outcomes: The lagoon is now fenced, preventing stock from entering. Buffer zones and new wildlife corridors and habitat have also been created. Water quality in the lagoon should show improvement given time, and the lagoon will be more resilient to damage.

Lessons learnt: A lot can be achieved by having willing partners and stakeholders. Also, ensure contractors are kept to the specification, on time, and are inspected.

Challenges: To understand and prioritise competing projects for a limited budget and also managing expectations of stakeholders given that water quality improvements can take a long time.

Overall: Better to spend extra time ensuring a good quality project than rush to meet targets.

Clwyd Opportunity Catchment

The principal theme is to take a sustainable management of natural resources approach to catchment management which benefits riverine and bathing water quality, fisheries and people, integrating work within the Clwyd OpC in alignment with the north east, north west and marine Area Statement themes.

The Dyffryn Clwyd Forum has been established and is building momentum. The organisations involved in the Dyffryn Clwyd Forum are active within the Clwyd Catchment, with advice, information, opportunities, activities and events that benefit the area and the residents who live there.

A range of work has taken place to minimise pollution, reduce phosphate and bacteria inputs to watercourses, and improve fisheries habitat within the Clwyd catchment. This typically involves organisations working in partnership to maximise the impact of different funding opportunities. Combined with new ways of working across north east and north west places in NRW being developed, this results in multiple environmental, biodiversity, and well-being benefits. Work is also underway to pilot an integrated constructed wetland at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s wastewater treatment works in Tremeirchion, the first in North Wales to use a nature based solution to replace conventional secondary treatment.

Case Study

Project location: Dolwen Reservoir and Glanfyddion Cut

Partners: NRW, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW), Denbighshire County Council (DCC)

Funding: Water Quality Capital Programme

Project description: In 2023, NRW and DCWW formalised a partnership to improve water quality in failing WFDR water bodies and drinking water Safeguard Zones (SgZ) across the Clwyd Catchment. The agreement enabled joint planning, data sharing, and joint funding contributions to enable the delivery of interventions on the ground.

Initial work focused on improving land management practices around Dolwen reservoir, part of the Glascoed SgZ, designated for nutrients and pesticides. In 2024 and 2025, the partnership extended its delivery to include the Ffynnon Asaph aquifer and Glanfyddion Cut waterbody, part of the Trecastell SgZ. The waterbody’s location within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape further enabled closer collaboration with DCC and the National Landscape team.

Key Outcomes

• Improved water quality for drinking water, WFDR targets, and benefits to downstream areas (Clwyd estuary, Rhyl bathing waters)
• Supports DCWW’s aim in reducing the number of designated SgZs
• Strengthened inter-agency collaboration and catchment-scale delivery
• Landowner engagement supported sustainable practices and access to funding

Before and after fencing works 

Challenges: Aligning priorities and timelines across agencies, limited capacity for landowner engagement and follow-up, navigating overlapping regulatory and landscape designations and sustaining long-term funding and delivery momentum.

Future Opportunities (AMP8 and Beyond): Expand cluster groups across catchments to strengthen landowner networks and peer-led change, target SgZs more strategically (building on successful interventions at Trecastell and Glascoed), upscale proven approaches from previous work to new areas within the catchment, and identify new opportunities for collaboration with local authorities, National Landscapes, and farming networks to enhance resilience and water quality outcomes.

Lessons learned: The value of collaborative, catchment-scale approaches to complex environmental challenges. Shared knowledge and delivery mechanisms have led to tangible improvements in water quality. Continued partnership working is essential for safeguarding drinking water sources and restoring aquatic ecosystems.

Conwy Opportunity Catchment

This OpC has a wide range of habitats from coastal cliffs and beaches, to blanket bogs, moorland, forests, estuaries, lakes and rivers. The Afon Conwy travels across the landscape connecting people and nature, from the source of water on the Migneint blanket bog SAC to the sea at Conwy. Pressures within the OpC include discharges from metal mines, point source and diffuse pollution, physical modifications and acidification. Through the restoration of riverine and peatland habitats and improvements in land management and forestry practises, water quality, water dependant habitats and species, and people, will benefit.

Landscape scale partnership projects are at the centre of this OpC, while new collaborative ways of working in the catchment are enhancing future work planning and delivery. The Uwch Conwy landscape scale project is working with local people and delivering a range of peatland and river habitat restoration, meadow creation and well-being benefits. The Carneddau landscape project has focused on the natural and cultural heritage of the Carneddau uplands. Feasibility work is progressing on metal mine remediation in the Gwydir forest, natural flood management schemes are being delivered with new partners working together, and down the coast in Llandudno there is partnership work to resolve misconnections, where wastewater pipes are incorrectly connected to surface water drains, to improve coastal and bathing waters.

Case Study

Project location: Conwy

Key partners: NRW and National Trust

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme, Heritage Lottery Fund, NPAP, Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, National Trust Riverlands, private donations

Source: Conwy

Project description: A landscape-scale project to improve the quality of the environment and heritage of the upper Conwy catchment. Working with local communities to deliver the goals of the Wellbeing Act, for present and future generations. Through this project we are making communities more resilient to climate change using nature-based solutions to restore natural processes, enabling nature to recover, and working with landowners and communities we are minimising pollution.

Work to date includes:

• Peatland restoration - installation of peat dams to block ditches, re-profiling and re-vegetating peat haggs to capture carbon and reduce erosion. This work has helped slow the flow of water, ensuring river flows are more consistent as well as improving water quality.
• River restoration - removing man-made embankments and improving in-stream habitat to create more spawning habitat for fish.
• Riverside fencing and alternative stock watering - to prevent stock from disturbing the river bed and banks, reducing erosion and protecting spawning gravels downstream.
• Meadow creation - salt marsh creation as well as re-establishing ancient orchards, creating habitat for pollinators, and hedgerows to connect fragmented habitats providing vital wildlife corridors.
• Working with local communities, schools and volunteer groups.

Key outcomes: Upper Conwy catchment project | Wales | National Trust

Lessons learnt: Project success is based on shared vision and buy-in from both organisations. Spending time working with and in the community, sharing the evidence to make long term sustainable change. The benefits of working in partnership and using the knowledge and experience from both organisations has enabled more to be delivered on the ground.

Challenges: Securing long term funding and maintaining staff.

Overall: Working across a place enables landscape scale restoration to happen rather than focussing on one water body.

Case Study

Project Location: Carrog Farm, Cwm Penmachno

Key partners: National Trust

Other partners: Consultants (for optioneering and detailed design), Fencing and Groundworks (principle contractor)

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme

Source: Afon Machno

Project description: River and floodplain work to restore a river in the upper Conwy catchment, helping to reduce flood risk downstream and boosting nature.

As part of the Uwch Conwy Project, NRW is working in partnership with National Trust Cymru, and has carried out river and flood plain restoration work on the Afon Machno, a major tributary of the Afon Conwy.
 
Part of the work involved removing man-made embankments and lowering the riverbank, which allows water to once again access the floodplain. This slows the river’s flow during high water levels and helps to reduce flood risk lower down in the catchment.

Scrapes and channels have also been dug on the floodplain to restore historic flow patterns, enabling further water storage.

The Uwch Conwy Project aims to provide benefits to the communities and wildlife of the Upper Conwy catchment by creating a cleaner and healthier environment, bringing people and nature closer together.

Before Oct 2021

After May 2025

 
Key outcomes: Demonstration site to show natural flood management in an upland setting, improvement in freshwater and terrestrial habitats.

Lessons learnt: Project has taken three years to deliver - for optioneering, detail design and delivery. Long-term funding and staffing is essential to enable projects like this to be delivered. Throughout this project we have run drop-in sessions, community river walks and worked with the community to deliver environmental projects. Through this engagement, the residents of Cwm understood why we doing the project, appreciate the benefits and are involved in monitoring the changes with us.

Challenges: Uncertainty around the new Sustainable Farming Scheme. Additional project officer resource required.

Overall: Long-term funding and staffing are essential to develop links with landowners and communities.

Ynys Môn Opportunity Catchment

The island has a rich and diverse water environment, including important water dependant habitats, species and landscapes, but is under pressure from impacts such as from nutrient enrichment, land management practises, discharges from sewage and wastewater sources and historic metal mining. The principal theme for the Ynys Môn opportunity catchment is to have a network of resilient ecosystems across the Island and connect people with their local environment. By creating a landscape where wildlife can thrive within a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, resilience to changes in climate can be developed.

Good progress is being made working with landowners and a range of partners to identify and implement schemes to improve river corridor habitat and exclude stock from watercourses and provide alternative watering sources to reduce nutrient and bacteria inputs. This work is taking place across a number of river water bodies, benefitting lake and estuary and coastal environments downstream and has included strong links with marine opportunity catchment delivery. Trials of a passive treatment system were completed at Parys mountain as part of ongoing work to develop proven cost-effective mine water treatment options.

Work to protect and improve the water quality and hydrology of nationally important fen habitats, building resilience for the future, is planned as part of Corsydd Calon Môn. This is a new collaborative project (Heritage Lottery development funded) that aims to secure the future of the Anglesey Fens and celebrate their rich history.

Case Study

Project Location: Afon Gwna

Key partners: Bodorgan Estates, Mentor Mon

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme

Source: Afon Gwna

Project description: The Afon Gwna flows into Llyn Coron SAC and SSSI, which is a nutrient-rich lake that is often adversely impacted by algal blooms. The Afon Gwna itself is a key habitat for migratory species including sea trout. Over the years the quality of spawning gravels and nursery habitat has deteriorated, due to sediment inputs from bank side erosion and from livestock crossing the river and accessing it for drinking water. Sediment and associated nutrient pollution has exacerbated impact on the downstream designated sites.

Work undertaken in partnership with Menter Môn and Bodorgan Estates has enabled us to fence nearly 2 km of riverbank. Solar pumps and water troughs have been installed, preventing more than 50 stock crossing daily as well as preventing the cattle from accessing the water to drink.

Bridges have been installed so the farmer can move his stock easily between the fields, whilst removing the need for cattle to enter the river, disturbing sediments which would cover spawning gravels downstream.

The wide riverside corridor created by the fencing will allow vegetation and trees to establish and stabilise the riverbank. The work undertaken to date has greatly reduced the amount of sediment being transported downstream, as well as reducing nutrient loading. This will help improve water quality, reducing the risk of toxic algal blooms.

The success of this project has led to interest from neighbouring farms, resulting in additional riverside fencing works on their land, which we are now in the process of delivering.

Before and after pictures of the river crossing

Key outcomes: Nearly 2 km of bankside protected and habitat created, removing significant sediment and nutrient inputs. This led to the opportunity to create additional 300m of riverside corridor.

Lessons learnt: Need more resource allocated at development stage, to enable time to work up plans with landowners. Allow plenty of time taken to get works agreed; this can take much longer than expected, especially when dealing with multiple partners. Need long-term funding so work can be planned and delivered in best weather window, rather than being planned around financial deadlines.

Challenges: Project relied on working with an estate as landowners. Working with land agents rather than dealing with the tenant directly can create delays. Communication had to be very clear so everyone knew what was happening before works started on the ground.

Overall: Planning for enough time and resources means that projects can be delivered to get the best outcome for the environment.

Teifi Opportunity Catchment

The geographical scope of this OpC initially was limited to the upper reaches, focussing on water bodies impacted by abandoned minewater. It was soon extended to include tributaries within the lower catchment, where agricultural pressures were understood to affect fisheries, before embracing the entire catchment.

Priority issues for water within this OpC include acidification, impact from historic metal mining, diffuse rural pollution from agriculture and forestry, point source pollution from sewage discharges from wastewater treatment works, intermittent assets and areas away from mains sewerage areas, physical modification and invasive non-native species. Other key aspects include communities at risk of flooding, abstraction demands due to increasing water usage, climate change pressures and taking an integrated approach to riverine and coastal flood risk management.

Since the RBMPs were published, this OpC has also benefited from the Teifi Demonstrator Programme which started in 2023. This is one of a number of catchment approaches in the RBD which is helping to deliver WFDR and also informing future approaches. The Four Rivers for LIFE project is also delivering outcomes for the Teifi.

Cleddau and Milford Haven Opportunity Catchment

This OpC was identified as a priority area primarily due to issues impacting water quality. The aims have been to support initiatives addressing nitrate, phosphorus and sediment pollution from point and diffuse sources. Additionally, physical modifications to river channels and banks, grazing, trampling and cultivation to bank edge (loss of riverine wildlife corridor) and the widespread presence of invasive species have provided a focus.

From inception there has been an undertaking to work with the agricultural community to improve land management practises to reduce soil run-off, erosion and improve water quality. By working with others at a catchment scale we hope to tackle issues such as nutrient enrichment, invasive species and habitat fragmentation which threaten important and protected wildlife and habitats. Also, through initiatives across the wider catchment, we aim to improve the condition of the marine SAC.

Within the OpC there is also the Four Rivers for LIFE project which is one of a number of catchment approaches in the RBD which helping to deliver WFDR and inform future approaches.

Case study

Project location: Windsor Farm Stage 2 River Restoration, Pembroke River, near Milford Haven

Key partners: Landowners and Pembroke River Restoration Project Partnership

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme

Source: Pembroke River

Project description: Delivered by NRW in collaboration with the landowner and partners, large woody material has been placed into a 200m stretch of the river in a bid to restore natural river processes and ‘re-wiggle’ the river. The large woody material helps to create different flows within the river, and encourage natural meanders, pools and riffles to form over time. These are currently lacking in the river as it has historically been straightened for human purposes.

The wood also traps silt and debris, encouraging the regeneration of habitat for invertebrates and other species. It provides shelter for migratory fish who travel upstream to reach spawning grounds.

To reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, fencing was installed in 2023 and 2024 to create a wide buffer and to prevent livestock from entering the river with new, alternative drinking water sources introduced.

With support and funding from the Pembroke River Restoration Project Partnership, 600 trees were also planted to create a woody corridor alongside the river. Once matured, the trees will provide a buffer zone between productive agricultural land and the river, reducing nutrient run-off impacting on water quality. NRW now hopes to use the project to showcase river restoration practices using nature-based solutions.

River restoration work plans along a 200m stretch of river

A selection of photos post work

Challenges: Lack of dedicated capacity and focus due to conflicting pressures including the need to prioritise reactive work. This has impacted sub-catchment investigations, prevented application for capital funding and deviated activity from the measures as defined. Processes hampered land management fencing installation.

Lessons learnt: Support and commitment through an active working group is important. Without this, and without clear definition and understanding of measures, meaningful progress has proved difficult. Proactive measures undertaken have therefore largely been delivered through the Four Rivers for Life Project.

Overall: Recognised for its high ecological importance, natural beauty and associated ecosystem services, more action is needed to:

• Improve water quality by reducing and managing nutrient levels.
• Bring the SAC features into favourable conservation status.
• Address fisheries impairment.
• Explore opportunities for innovative solutions.

Swansea Bay Opportunity Catchment

This OpC features highly modified rivers with altered hydromorphology and disrupted natural processes. This makes catchments less resilient and limits the ecological recovery of river ecosystems. It results in loss of biodiversity and compromises the ecosystem services we rely upon, making communities and the environment more susceptible to the impacts of flood, drought, erosion and poor water quality.

Pollution from urban and rural areas and historic mining activities is adversely impacting river water quality in the OpC. Working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water for improvements to the sewer network, particularly in the Afan area, is a priority area of work.

Case Study

Project location: Sandfields, Swansea city centre

Key partners: Swansea Council, Sandfields residents and Sandfields Primary School

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme, Active Travel, Local Places for Nature

Project description: Working with nature to catch water, slow it, clean it, use it, lose it.

In Swansea we believe people deserve good habitats too. Working with societal partners, NRW has taken a focused approach to improve the health and quality of the Swansea Bay OpC and is now working towards Swansea being a sponge city, to adapt to the impacts of climate change, clean & manage our water, make space for nature, and promote health and wellbeing for local communities. 

Swansea Bay, a designated bathing water, is enjoyed by scores of locals and visitors. However, the city centre, perched on this deeply curving bay, suffers increasingly from surface water flooding and related storm overflow spills during high rainfall. Such events affect both local people and bathing water quality, with flooding causing issues for residents and also washing pollutants into and through the storm sewer system.

As part of the ongoing delivery of the Swansea green infrastructure strategy, bioretention rain gardens and green roofs have been installed across the city to manage stormwater run-off and prevent pollutants reaching Swansea Bay by filtering them out. The issues being addressed are multiple: local flooding, impact on bathing waters, lack of access to nature, greening active travel routes, and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. One such initiative has been transforming the Sandfields. Across three locations, including a local primary school, these green spaces will:

• Slow the flow of rainwater into storm drains, lowering flood risks and reducing pressure on the sewer network.
• Help minimise pollution by filtering stormwater through natural processes.
• Support biodiversity and improving connectivity across the urban landscape and the developing urban resilient ecological network. 
• Naturally filter the air and absorb pollutants using plants, improving air quality.
• Connect people to nature and improve well-being.
• Provide shading during heatwaves, creating cooler, more comfortable public spaces to combat the urban heat island effect.

Key outcomes: Working examples of vibrant, ecologically functional, bioretention rain gardens that act as sponges to hold and slow the flow of water into the storm sewer network whilst providing multiple other benefits.

Lessons learnt: NRW has limited traditional regulatory tools and involvement in the urban landscape of Swansea. This is an example of our work to influence and improve the environment whilst meeting our responsibilities under the Wales Future Generations Act and as a member of Swansea's Public Service Board.

Taking a truly co-productive approach by engaging local residents from the start is key, from the ‘art of the possible’, to challenging norms and approaches that may otherwise be costed out.

A multi-disciplinary approach, good communication, and early engagement with stakeholders can lead to much success - but don’t underestimate the time and capacity needed! Where there isn’t dedicated resource, there needs to be someone driving the work forwards.

Challenges: Resource capacity and expertise. Time required to navigate processes for low risk, low-tech, low-cost projects seems disproportionate and can cause delays.

Overall: Due to the legacy of once world-class industry, there are often complexities and challenges to river restoration opportunities with water quality issues to be considered alongside. However, the diverse nature of the catchment lends itself to the development and delivery of multiple projects, and there is much willingness amongst potential collaborators, with equally multiple and diverse benefits.

Severn River Basin District (Wales only)

There are three OpCs in the Welsh part of the Severn RBD, which are Taff/Ely, Central Monmouthshire, and Ithon. Further detail on these actions are available on Water Watch Wales and through the River Restoration Portal. A summary of progress is provided in Table 6. The Severn River Basin District (England and Wales) will be included in the Environment Agencies report which will be published in November 2025.

A lot of good work has been carried out across the RBD, and whilst in Wales the OpC have focused on three geographical areas, work has been delivered across the whole of the RBD. Since the publication of the RBMPs, the Upper Wye project has commenced. The project aims to protect species and enhance habitats by addressing a range of pressures affecting the river. It aims to do this through restoring and improving river habitat, reducing sediment and pollutants entering the rivers and improve the resilience of the impacts of climate change. We are working alongside landowners, farmers, communities and local organisations to restore and create habitats, reduce pollution, restore and reconnect floodplains, improve fish passage and control invasive species.

Table 6 Summary of measure progress across the Severn RBD (Wales only)

Severn Opportunity Catchments	Taff and Ely	Central Monmouthshire	Ithon	Total
Overall status	Green	Green	Green	Green
Complete	1	2	N/A	3
Green	7	6	5	18
Amber	2	N/A	N/A	2
Red	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Not started	N/A	N/A	2	2
Stopped	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

Taff and Ely Opportunity Catchment

This OpC begins high in the Brecon Beacons and flows through steep-sided valleys to the low-lying coastal areas of Cardiff. The water quality of the rivers has largely recovered from historical degradation caused by the iron, coal, and other industries, but the narrow valley floors mean that industrial and urban development has tended to lie close to the banks of the rivers, resulting in extensive man-made changes, loss of riverside habitats and leaving rivers vulnerable to urban pollution. Measures planned by partnership projects such as the Taf Bargoed Catchment Project deliver catchment-wide benefits to land management and the riparian environments whilst engaging with the local community.

The principal theme is 'people', and the role that the water environment can play in wellbeing and regeneration in this highly urban environment. With a catchment population of around 500,000, which is 20% of the Welsh population including Cardiff, this OpC offers a unique opportunity to explore people's connection to the water environment, the post-industrial and urban pressures on the water environment, and the ecosystem services of a resilient freshwater ecosystem. 'Working with water' is one of the key themes of the south central Wales Area Statement. We are exploring ways of working across functions internally and developing better networks with strategic partners, together developing an integrated approach to catchment restoration at a meaningful landscape scale. Through understanding and valuing the natural environment, working through equitable partnerships and putting the environment at the heart of decision making we are delivering catchment scale restoration, working with natural processes and exploring nature-based solutions to deliver sustainable management of the catchment and maximise the wellbeing benefits for people living there.

Central Monmouthshire Opportunity Catchment

This OpC includes the River Usk SAC that rises on the slopes of the Black Mountain and flows through a long narrow catchment of great scenic beauty through the towns of Brecon, Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Usk. Tourism is important to the local economy, with the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal attracting visitors in search of outdoor recreation. It also stretches westwards, encompassing parts of the River Wye catchment. The OpC is rich in wildlife and its high ecological value is recognised through national and international designations. Projects such as the Resilient Greater Gwent focus on the main drivers of biodiversity loss which are climate change, pollution, habitat change/loss, invasive species and exploitation.

The OpC directly aligns with one of the five landscape profile areas that make up the south east Area Statement. One of the aims is to deliver a landscape-scale collaborative partnership that pursues Area Statement, WFDR and wellbeing objectives. This area comprises largely of enclosed farmland, which creates both pressures via agriculture and rural land management practices, and opportunities for the landscape, such as a resilient agriculture and economy, and low-carbon, climate-ready food. There is also an opportunity to apply a ’one delivery’ approach in tackling the pressures and impacts, as well as to enhance ecosystem resilience at the landscape scale, with opportunities to improve the WFDR status of waterbodies and the River Usk SAC condition.

Case Study

Project location: Central Monmouthshire

Main funding stream: Water Quality Capital Programme

Source: Tributary of Afon Trothy

Project description: Before work at the site took place, a track ran down to a ford structure through the stream. This was used twice daily by a herd of 200 cows on their way to and from the milking parlour. The impact this was having on water quality was to contribute high sediment and nutrient loads to the watercourse.

Before and after the installation of a river crossing

Key outcomes: The project replaced the ford with a Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwood, clear span bridge, removing a barrier to fish passage, and preventing the continual input of soil and muck into the stream.

Challenges: There have been many issues around the installation of solar pumps. One of these was supply delays. The contractor’s expectation was that the pump would be quick to arrive. In the event the pump took over two months causing a delay across financial years. 

Lessons learnt: Opportunities had been missed to introduce the two parties for the pre-work site walk, and explanation of methods and site sensitivities had not been identified. It is key that everyone is aware of their responsibilities, expectations are clear, and communication maintained throughout the project lifespan. Also, sourcing materials can take longer than expected; this should be built into project planning, and the merits of procuring certain materials well in advance of agreed start dates considered.

Ithon Opportunity Catchment

The Ithon has been identified as an OpC due to its importance in terms of water dependant habitats and species, but also as an agriculturally productive area, with a high density of intensive farming units. The area forms part of the River Wye SAC, and collaboration is key to improve water quality, riverine habitats, and manage land and water in a sustainable way to prevent deterioration. Projects such as The Wye Ithon Severn Ecosystem Project work with farmers to protect and enhance natural resources in a way that benefits agricultural businesses, rivers and the wider community.

The principal theme is to work collaboratively with partners to prevent deterioration of water quality and sustainably manage water, land and air for the benefit of wildlife and people. The OpC has the highest density of intensive poultry units in Europe and alongside this, pig production is developing within the catchment. Adequate planning and environmental controls for intensive farming, reducing nutrient inputs into the catchment and restoring riverine habitats will contribute to better water quality and WFDR objectives. A healthier water environment benefits the species and habitats that depend upon it and create a place which people can enjoy.

Recommendations

This is the first time there has been a legislative requirement to complete a report of this nature for the RBMPs. And whilst its production has been steered by this requirement, it has also been an incredibly useful exercise from which we have drawn a number of recommendations to support the continued implementation of the RBMPs. These 15 recommendations are set out below in Table 7 and, in the first instance, are for NRW to review and agree how to take forward, but they will also be presented to the WWMF RBMP task and finish group to consider and work with NRW to take forward. Alongside these, recommendations from the Independent Water Commission’s final report and the outcomes of the Costa Beck Judicial Review will also need to be taken into consideration. However, for the purpose of this report, changes required from these have not been applied due to timings; this report also focuses on the current RBMP and its implementation prior to the outcomes of those reports being published. To support future approaches, recommendation one will be prioritised, and recommendation two should be carried out including a cross-border element with the Environment Agency and similar stakeholders. This is a critical step to ensure effective reporting and evaluation on progress.

Table 7 Recommendations

Number	Theme	Recommendation
1	Approaches	Review the findings of this report alongside future requirements through the Independent Water Commission Report and Costa Beck Judicial Review. This is a significant piece of work for current and future approaches to the WFDR
2	Approaches	Undertake a lessons learnt exercise to inform approaches for measures implementation, tracking, and reporting. Include a workshop with the WWMF RBMP Task and Finish group to inform this, and to shape future approaches for RBMPs
3	Approaches	Continue to work with the WWMF RBMP Task and Finish group to support delivery of RBMPs and inform future approaches. This group fills a gap following the disbandment of the former liaison panels
4	Approaches	Through the lessons learnt from this report, consider how cross-border RBD reporting could be improved
5	Approaches	This review has identified challenges to implementation, notably relating to staff resources and technical specialist skills, as well as the complexities of processes to deliver projects, and funding constraints. These need to be accommodated in future approaches to enable delivery rather than hinder it
6	Approaches	This report has focused on the measures published on Water Watch Wales including the ten OpCs. Whilst it was not within the scope of this review to look across all the other actions that contribute to the protection and restoration of our waters, this work should be recognised, and approaches on how this can be included need to be considered
7	Data Standards	Clearly define what a measure is and ensure it is specific and measurable. This should include the language used, which can be confusing, where the RBMPs include measures and actions
8	Data Standards	Look across the key programmes that form the National measures, and identify where data standards can be better aligned to enable more efficient and effective reporting in the future. Include common standards, such as using waterbody IDs and catchments. As this information is increasingly shared spatially and managed through various databases, it is critical that data standards are clearly defined to help manage the data so a comprehensive RBD report can be produced
9	Measures	Take forward actions identified from this review on specific measures as recorded and reported within the measure details updated on Water Watch Wales
10	Measures	Review and update, as required, named measure leads to ensure ownership, implementation, tracking and reporting
11	Measures	The OpC programme included a number of local actions which we termed ‘Future Aims' (potential local action). These were more aspirational, flexible measures where there was less certainty around implementation. There has been little progress against these aspirational measures, which depend on such things as securing adequate funding, developing the right partnerships etc. These require review
12	Tracking	Undertake an annual progress review. There should be an agreed approach to this, to enable partners who also lead on delivery of measures to contribute their progress. This should be fully integrated in the RBMP programme. Approaches for annual review should be set out clearly within the RBMP
13	Tracking	Set out what measures need to be prioritised to ensure progress is made during this RBMP cycle. These should be prioritised by the those measures where progress status is not green, is high risk, and where the beneficial impacts of the measures are greatest as identified through this review
14	Tracking	Ensure all NRW progress trackers are being used and are up to date, adding data to NRWs data platforms. Having an integrated catchment ICT approach will be key
15	Tracking	Through tracking, include the investment costs and any associated project costs to support future reporting. Capture the financial details associated with RBMP measures and use this to inform cost effectiveness, including sector contributions

Annex 1

Summary of the Nature and Climate Emergency fund (NaCE), 2021 to 2025 

NaCE Programme: Water quality	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25
Metal mines	£3,621,100	£3,861,530	£5,444,758	£6,036,900
Water quality	£1,115,412	£2,139,311	£4,497,794	£4,706,416
Reservoirs	£0	£0	£3,170,749	£2,141,583
Fisheries	£1,722,580	£1,725,820	£2,660,519	£2,114,394

 

NaCE Programme	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25
National Forest	£0	£277,941	£953,244	£1,571,322
Peatlands	£2,068,100	£2,393,780	£3,306,030	£3,815,472
Nature networks	£2,936,993	£4,444,686	£6,232,594	£7,026,576

 

Summary of investment for each Opportunity Catchment under the Water Quality Capital Programme, 2021 to 2025

Project name	Opportunity catchment	2020-21 spend	2021-22 spend	2022-23 spend	2023-24 spend
Marine Opportunity Catchment	Cleddau Milford Haven, Anglesey, Conwy, Swansea Bay	£0	£0	£100,930	£96,630
Clwyd Opportunity Catchment	Clwyd	£0	£16,500	£124,260	£244,720
Northwest Opportunity Catchment/Uwch Conwy	Conwy, Ynys Môn, Clwyd	£58,800	£0	£171,000	£173,390
Swansea Bay Opportunity Catchment	Swansea Bay	£191,000	£88,740	£55,630	£89,500
Upper Wye Diatoms & Invertebrates	Ithon	£0	£0	£50,000	£0
Upper Wye Restoration Project	Ithon	£0	£0	£0	£61,160
Central Monmouthshire Opportunity Catchment	Central Monmouthshire	£0	£50,470	£42,310	£95,120
Working with Water in South Wales Central	Taff/Ely	£0	£0	£122,000	£28,630
Physical modifications	Taff/Ely, Ithon, Dee, Cleddau, Swansea Bay	£0	£195,921	£144,356	£401,358
Ely and Merthyr Catchment Approach	Taff/Ely	£0	£77,860	£119,717	£98,425
Nant y Fendrod Restoration	Swansea Bay	£0	£24,970	£0	£1,160
Dee Land Management Interventions/LIFE Dee River	Dee	£0	£373,600	£204,890	£0
Lower Clwyd	Clwyd	£0	£22,300	£20,293	£0
Cleddau Milford Haven Opportunity Catchment	Cleddau Milford Haven	£0	£48,327	£5,194	£0
Ynys Mon Groundwater/River Opportunity Catchment	Ynys Môn	£0	£78,400	£0	£0
South East rivers	Central Monmouthshire	£0	£0	£0	£4,376
Total investment	All areas	£249,800	£832,258	£837,450	£1,294,469