Waterways Under Threat
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Pembrokeshire is known for its beautiful coastline and rich biodiversity, but the condition of its waterways is increasingly an issue of concern. From serene rivers and streams to vibrant estuaries and seas, the county’s natural water systems face being tainted by contaminants – threatening both the local ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.
In recent times, the combination of agricultural run-off, sewage discharge and plastic waste threatens significant harm to the health of waterways, with the impact becoming evident through a decline in biodiversity.
Speaking at a meeting at Baker’s in Fishguard, experienced ecologist Anne Lewis emphasised the urgent action we need to take to restore the purity of Pembrokeshire’s water systems, safeguard its wildlife and ensure that the natural beauty of our coastal area can continue to be enjoyed.
She shared fascinating stories about our rivers and the life that inhabits them. With her strong background in ecology and 40 years of experience working with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, she was able to explain the damage caused in altering rivers and how we can manage them better.
She began by talking about rivers in the past and how they took their natural path, winding through valleys, finding their own course. She explained how, over time, these rivers were altered to fit in with suburban areas.
Once you change a river’s course, you lose a lot of it, and there are likely to be problems in another part of the river later on as a result.
She also detailed the impacts that “artificial features” such as heavy grazing farms can have on rivers, and how the exploitation of waterways for purposes such as generating electricity and sewage waste disposal come with considerable detriment. And she told us how river alterations, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and pollution are all bound up together; if the ecosystem does not thrive, the chances of pollution are increased. Mismanagement of rivers can lead to flooding, marshes and droughts.
Anne explained the importance of not touching the river or its resources, since even small things, such as taking gravel out of the river or creating gravel beds, can disturb the wildlife habitat; and bridges, mills and hydro power can lead to the river losing its flow and affect the surrounding habitat.
Her talk was given under the auspices of the Cleddau Project, a group of local people who want to save and protect the tributaries, estuary, plants and animals of the whole Cleddau River catchment area.
More information: thecleddauproject.org.uk.
