Upper Conwy Catchment Project

It's been a challenging year, but despite this we've still managed to achieve so much. Find out what our team have been up to and all latest from the project by reading our newsletter

We’re now applying techniques we trialled at Carrog to other sites within the catchment including Nant y Gwryd, a river flanked by Wales’ highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). In September, together with our partners Natural Resource Wales (NRW), we began re-profiling the steep banks and re-positioning some large boulders in a previously modified section of the river. We are already starting to see some changes, with the river shifting from a straight glide (like a canal) to developing sections of pools (deep water) and riffles (fast flowing areas), with gravel shoals forming around the boulders. This creates a greater variety of features within the river and improves the habitat for spawning fish, such as brown trout and birds such as kingfisher, common sandpiper and dipper.

As we entered lockdown, our partners at Conwy County Borough Council reacted quickly to an unprecedented situation, adapting to support children of key workers as well as vulnerable adults and children get active in nature by trying out e-bikes. The first phase of the Tir Afon project supported 120 vulnerable adults access cycling and through 35 classes, taught 20 children how to ride a bike during lockdown. Bill, a visually impaired 82-year-old shares his experience: “I rode 18 miles and at the end of it felt nothing but joy! I would recommend e-bikes to anyone, the benefit of being outside and active is huge, this modern-day technology really helps you get out and enjoy life as if you were years younger!”