EISWF End of Project Report

Environmental Improvements to Sustain Welsh Fisheries

October 2015

EISWF End of Project Report

Introduction Afonydd Cymru is a charitable company limited by The geographic coverage and delivery area of the EISWF guarantee that was formed in 2008 to represent and co- Project is throughout the Convergence area of Wales and ordinate the activities of member Rivers Trusts across spread across the boundaries of five Rivers Trusts; Clwyd, Wales. There are nine member Rivers Trusts; The Clwyd, Conwy & Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, South East Wales, Conwy & Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire, Teifi, Welsh Dee, Teifi and Welsh Dee. South East Wales, Severn, Glamorgan, Carmarthenshire and the Wye & Usk Foundation. Prior to the EISWF project the five Trusts had been developing their capacity and expertise to undertake Afonydd Cymru supports local Rivers Trusts and other environmental and habitat improvement work funded by bottom-up community driven river improvement small grants from EAW and CCW (the NRW predecessor initiatives to deliver real changes on the ground, bodies) and supported by their staff. The EISWF project promoting practical and sustainable solutions to has enabled them to undertake an ambitious programme environmental issues, including sustainable fisheries of cost effective environmental and fishery improvement management and river restoration. Afonydd Cymru works schemes in partnership with local communities and on the principles of integrated whole catchment contractors, with the volunteer workforce being management, the ecosystem approach, and sustainable supported by project management professionals. development. The EISWF Project targets for environmental Afonydd Cymru works in partnership with the Welsh improvements were: Government (WG), Natural Resources Wales (NRW),  288km of streams with improved access for the other organisations, local communities and the general passage of migratory fish. public to improve the aquatic environment in Wales.  44km of streams with improved water quality.  32.8km of streams with restored habitat. In November 2009 Afonydd Cymru was successful in their bid for a grant from the Welsh Government and the In addition to environmental improvements it is European Fisheries Fund (EFF). The grant was awarded to anticipated that the project will also contribute economic enable the delivery of the “Environmental Improvements benefits to the local areas where work is delivered, and to Sustain Welsh Fisheries” Project (EISWF). Welsh fisheries as a whole, through increases in juvenile fish production and returning numbers of adult migratory The EISWF Project was designed to deliver significant fish. improvements to the riverine environment that will benefit migratory stocks of salmon, sea trout and eels. These species are dependent on a good quality freshwater habitat to complete their life cycles. They need unrestricted access to spawning areas, a good water quality and a diverse physical habitat that provides favourable conditions for the various life cycle stages. The projects delivered by EISWF benefit migratory fish by increasing their access to spawning areas through the removal of barriers and the improvement of water quality and river habitat restoration.

The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) provides grants for the development of a fisheries sector that is sustainable, profitable, well managed and internationally competitive. The grant awarded to Afonydd Cymru was £1,685,494.37.

75% of this amount is from the EFF with the remaining 25% of match funding being provided by the Welsh Government.

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EISWF End of Project Report Need for the EISWF Project There continues to be widespread concern in Wales Few rivers in Wales are meeting the ongoing targets set about the status of inland migratory fisheries. There by Natural Resources Wales concerning the essential have been substantial improvements to many of our minimum number of salmon returning to spawn. These rivers as a result of improved regulation of discharges and failures have necessitated measures such as net because of the decline of heavy industry. Some of these limitation orders and the return of rod caught fish during changes have resulted in major improvements in certain times in the season to reduce the rate of fisheries, as has occurred in the Valley rivers which now exploitation. The measured reduction in the survival rate support runs of salmon and sea trout. of salmon whilst at sea has emphasized the importance of improving the freshwater habitat for spawning and Nevertheless many problems remain which, because of survival of juvenile salmonids. their nature, are challenging to tackle. Some problems such as obstructions to the passage of fish are common The predominately rural nature of the Convergence area to all river systems but there are differences between and the difficulties being experienced within the urban and rural catchments. Discharges from Combined agriculture sector have made tourism an increasingly Sewer Overflows and contaminated surface water runoff important element of the rural economy and the quality cause problems in urban rivers which are also often of the environment is key to maintaining a successful adversely affected by litter and invasive weeds. Rural tourism sector. Outdoor activities feature strongly in the areas are experiencing real problems such as acidification attractiveness of the area to tourists and angling is the exacerbated in some areas by conifer afforestation, largest participative sport in the UK and Wales. pesticide impacts and other diffuse pollution from agriculture, and the poor condition of riverine habitat The environmental initiatives coordinated by Afonydd caused by overgrazing of riparian vegetation, siltation, Cymru under the EISWF project were aimed at improving gravel compaction and other factors. fisheries and riparian habitats, but they have also subsequently improved the attractiveness of the These impacts contribute to the extensive lengths of participating areas for the local communities and tourists rivers and streams that fail to achieve Good Ecological as well as contributing social and economic benefits to Status as defined by the Water Framework Directive, with the rural economy. many of these failures being due to low populations of migratory salmonids.

Project Finance

Total value of EISWF Grant Award: £1,685,494.37 Total spend on the EISWF project: £1,653,427

Figure 2 Breakdown of revenue budgets

Figure 1 Total EISWF project spend 3

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Project Delivery The overall expenditure on environmental improvement projects and the achievement against targets was distributed across the five participating Rivers Trusts as illustrated below: Clwyd Conwy & Pembrokeshire South East Wales EISWF Project Deliverables Teifi Rivers Trust Welsh Dee Trust Gwynedd Rivers Trust Rivers Trust Rivers Trust 20 9 20 5 9 Fish Easement projects £163,530.35 £36,643.58 £173,257.74 £36,229.48 £76,328.75 26 16 3 23 6 River Habitat Improvement Projects £241,200.40 £100,378.00 £19,627.20 £160,911.07 £39,220.90 1 2 Liming/Water Quality Improvement Schemes - - - £76,000.39 £1,777.96 Kilometres of improved access to river catchments 87.800 km 49.400 km 113.450 km 46.000 km 45.450 km including fish spawning gravels and tributaries Kilometres of restored riparian habitat providing 9.555 km 9.380 km 7.930 km 12.431 km 3.020 km wildlife corridors and more diverse river habitats Kilometres of improved water quality providing less 25.000 km 1.700 km - 22.000 km 3.000 km acidic cleaner rivers

Clwyd Conwy & Gwynedd Rivers Trust: £480,730.75 1 Water quality project, 20 Fish Easement Projects 26 River Habitat Improvement projects

Welsh Dee Trust: £115,549.65 9 Fish Easement Projects 6 River Habitat Improvement projects

Teifi Rivers Trust: £198,918.51 2 Liming projects 5 Fish Easement projects 23 River Habitat Improvement projects

Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust: £137,021.58 National Geographic, ESRI, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, iPC. 9 Fish Easement projects South East Wales Rivers Trust: £192,884.94 Contains OS Data Crown copyright and database right 2015 16 River Habitat Improvement projects 20 Fish Easement projects 3 River Habitat Improvement projects

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Fisheries Improvement Projects Clwyd Conwy & Gwynedd Rivers Trust Easements resulting in improved access for migratory fish Before Case Study: Crychddwr Fish Pass This project, on the Afon Crychddwr, in the Afon Llyfni catchment, involved the creation of a rock ramp/pool and traverse structure which formed a natural fish- way to replace a concrete slipway which had historically presented a problem for fish trying to access spawning grounds upstream.

After diverting the flow of the stream through pipes to by-pass the site, the work involved the use of boulders to create a series of shallow cascades with resting pools between each one. A number of oak baffles were also fitted at the head of the ramp and into a tunnel under a railway bridge to improve water levels and help fish to negotiate what was previously a smooth surface with a shallow water flow that was difficult to navigate under most flow conditions. The scheme took approximately three weeks to complete and has improved access to 4.5km of spawning headwaters.

Commenting about the project, Afonydd Cymru Senior Project Officer for North Wales, Richard White, said: After “The work has changed the profile of the river over a length of about 30m easing the gradient over a height difference of more than 2m. Now that the work has been completed, it will make access to about 4.5 kilometres of spawning ground much easier for native brown trout and migratory fish.”

Habitat Restoration Schemes

Case Study: Tan Lan, Llangernyw Habitat Scheme

The site of this project on the River Gallen has historically suffered from severe erosion problems that the landowner had tried to address by using concrete sections as bank revetment.

The EISWF project replaced the concrete with soft, brash revetment over 75 metres of bank and fenced 300 metres of riparian habitat. A drinking bay with associated swing gates was constructed to enable controlled stock access to the river for water.

0.3km (300m) of improved habitat has been created by the project at this site.

Before After

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Fisheries Improvement Projects Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust Easements resulting in improved access for migratory fish Case Study: Camrose Mill Easement The site of the easement is located on Camrose Brook, immediately Before adjacent to the weir and leat structure which have historically supplied water to Camrose Mill. Camrose Brook is designated as a SSSI and is part of the Cleddau Rivers SAC. The weir already had a wooden notch / channel at the top which allows water to flow from the leat into the Brook and enables fish to access the watercourse upstream, however the notch is narrow and at lower flows fish passage is restricted due to the low water depth in front of the weir steps and the height of the structure.

After

The project aimed to increase the effectiveness of the existing weir by increasing the depth of water in front of the structure and therefore allowing migratory fish to negotiate up and over the weir and into the leat / river above over a greater range of water flows. This was achieved by creating pools immediately downstream of the weir structure and raising the tail water height of the downstream river section at the foot of the weir by 300 mm. This drowned out the lowest ledge / step of the weir on the Camrose Brook side and was achieved by installing upstream facing arc shaped pre-barrage structures made from natural stone. The required 300 mm was gained in 2 ‘steps’ with pre-barrage structures of 150 mm each. The scheme has improved access to 3km of spawning habitat. Habitat Restoration Schemes Case Study: West Dunston Habitat Scheme This scheme was delivered on Knock Brook in the Western Cleddau catchment. Issues of overgrazing, poaching of river banks, bank erosion, run off and sedimentation of gravels had been identified at the site and unrestricted stock access across several fields was the main cause of the damage to the river banks. This was a 2 stage habitat improvement project to deliver: Stage 1 - a fencing scheme to totally exclude livestock from a 750 metre section of the Knock Brook. Fencing was set back at least 3 metres from the river to allow vegetation to re-grow and in some Before sections an extensive/wide riparian buffer strip has been fenced off. 4 access gates were installed along with a 10m long section of swinging gates at a specific point in the fence line to act as a “punch point” and allow water to pass through in times of high river flow. 0.75km (750m) of improved habitat has been created by the installation of the fencing. Stage 2 – the provision of After alternative drinking arrangements by way of the installation of five circular 300 gallon pipe fed concrete stock drinking tanks. The tanks were situated in existing fence lines to allow for stock access from both sides. The tanks linked from an existing system fed from a borehole and a spring- fed tank as well as via a new After piped supply that was mole- 6 ploughed underground.

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Fisheries Improvement Projects South East Wales Rivers Trust Easements resulting in improved access for migratory fish Case Study: Two easements on Taff Fawr at Cefn Before The two weir easements at this location were designed to address barriers to migration which have prevented fish Before from accessing the top of the catchment, up to the reservoir, for 200 years. The first weir was built in the early 18th century to supply water to the Cyfarthfa Iron works which closed in 1920. The second was a sloping old gauging station weir.

The first weir spans the full width of the river (approximately 20m) and is horse shoe shaped with a sheer face and height of 2-2.5m. The project aimed to reduce the height of this After After weir by introducing two pre barrage block stone weirs at a distance of approximately 15m below the existing structure. In addition the narrow exit from the area below the weir at the end of a pool, was blocked in order to retain more water and raise the level on a permanent basis. Work on the second weir entailed the cutting of a notch at its centre, thus making a passage for fish. Both wings of the weir also had Oak timber baulks put in place to ensure the flow was centralised down the notch. As a result of these two easements, which were completed in November 2012, over 4km of the Taff Fawr has been made accessible to migratory fish.

In late October 2013 six fish were seen jumping over the weir and a follow up visit by Natural Resources Wales with their radio tracking equipment After confirmed that two of these fish had radio tags. By November 2013 one of these fish had travelled almost as far upstream as the Reservoir Dam.

Chairman of South East Wales Rivers Trust, Anthony Rees MBE said: “Finding radio tagged fish has been the ultimate proof that we needed to demonstrate the success of the project and back up our continuing efforts to improve the river for migratory fish.” Habitat Restoration Schemes Case Study: Dan y Graig Habitat Scheme The east bank of the Taff Fawr along this section is prone to excessive erosion that increases the silt load on the river. At this location, sections of the river bank had collapsed and the erosion problem was being exacerbated by the sheep that had access from the adjacent field. This scheme aimed to address the detrimental factors of bank erosion and sediment inputs to the river. After Under the scheme 630m of new fencing was installed to prevent stock from being able to access the river bank. The fencing was set back into the field, at least 3m from the river, in order to leave a sufficient buffer strip that over time will become vegetated and stabilise and hence reduce the pressure on the previously eroding sections. In addition to the fencing, repairs were undertaken on three areas of river bank that had eroded and collapsed, and required stabilisation via re-profiling and infilling with stone. 0.63km (630m) of river bank habitat has been restored by this scheme. Before

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Fisheries Improvement Projects Teifi Rivers Trust Easements resulting in improved access for migratory fish Case Study: Dolbantau Weir Easement This project is located on the Afon Clettwr, in the Teifi catchment. The project aimed to improve the rates of migratory fish passage over Dolbantau weir by replacing the green oak Larinier pass attached to the face of the weir with a new Larinier fish pass made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The existing pass was degraded as a result of periods of drying out and ineffective due to its foot being suspended above the level of the downstream riverbed. The new Larinier flight is longer than the existing structure by 1300mm and extends across the concrete apron at the base of the weir to ensure that its foot is submerged in the downstream section of river. In order to achieve the required slope (Larinier Flight must be 15% descent or 8.53 degrees) to perform optimally, and ensure a continuous, stable base for attachment, a new “wedge” of concrete at the foot of the weir was fabricated, extending across the existing apron. The existing timber side walls were left in situ but extended and increased in height with new timbers to accommodate the new, longer Larinier. New Elver Brush Boards were also added to extend the existing Brush pass. The scheme has improved access to 15km of the Afon Clettwr. After

Before

Habitat Restoration Schemes After Case Study: Clettwr Farm Habitat Scheme Before The issues at this site on the Clettwr Fawr were found to be very significant during a walkover survey of the river. The issues were split between drainage problems and the need to reduce sediment inputs/runoff to the watercourse and bank erosion from uncontrolled stock access to the riverbanks. Point source pollution was being caused by extensive sediment inputs arising from large volumes of water continuously running down a steep farm track and passing through a stock feeding area.

As this site is located at the top of the catchment the sediment issues needed to be resolved as they were felt to be impacting on spawning gravel habitats further downstream. To resolve the drainage and sediment issues a combination of twin wall culvert pipe back filled with shale, catch pits and sumps, French drain installation and ditch clearance has been used to alleviate main water flow at the top of the track, catch and re-direct any water seeping out from the rock/shale bank and contain surface water runoff and rising ground water over a distance of approximately 160 linear metres. In addition to this work the issue of stock access, and resulting bank erosion, was addressed by the installation of 750m of new stock fencing across four fields in combination with the creation of four drinking bays and the placement of two drinking troughs. 0.75km of improved habitat and 2.5km of improved water After quality have been achieved by this scheme. 8

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Fisheries Improvement Projects Welsh Dee Trust Easements resulting in improved access for migratory fish Case Study: Abbey Brook Weir Easement The mill weir in the grounds of Abbey Dingle Nursing Home near Llangollen was approximately 1.75m high and 6+m wide, constructed of concrete and faced with local stone. Historically the weir presented a significant obstruction to migrating salmonids and created a well-known poaching hotspot as salmon and sea trout were trapped below the structure.

The project removed a significant section of the main weir and the construction of arock-ramp or stepped pool sequence within the channel effectively replaced a vertical structure with a 1:20 slope. Construction of the rock-ramp began 20m downstream of the weir rising in a gradual slope to meet the concrete structure at a height of approximately 1m. The top section of the weir was then removed and the rock-ramp carried on upstream, around the remaining structure in order to maximise the strength of the finished pass, for another 20m maintaining the same gradient until the present bed level was reached.

The structure incorporates a low water channel or pathway that allows continuous and uninterrupted flow through the ramp during low flows that will allow the free passage of fish in either direction. The removal of the weir has improved access to 14km of Abbey Brook (a tributary of the River Dee) for migratory fish. The easement was completed in November 2011 and later that month an Environment Agency Wales Fisheries Officer visited the site and reported that he had observed sea trout as far upstream as Ty Canol and had counted over 25 fish in the river section.

Before After

Habitat Restoration Schemes Before Case Study: Rhug Estate Habitat Scheme This scheme on the Afon Camddwr was undertaken in two phases and addresses the significant problems of bank erosion and siltation at the Bison field on Rhug Estate. In phase one 250m of fencing was installed along with the formalisation of a designated crossing point consisting of hard core finish down to the river to prevent erosion, a stone pitched base across the stream bed and swing gates up and down stream. Boulder revetment to consolidate banks and prevent scour and gates either side of the river to exclude stock other than at crossing times were included in the scheme. Troughs with associated piping were installed in adjacent fields to provide access to drinking water for the bison. After

Phase two completed the habitat corridor on the Afon Camddwr by providing over 500m of fencing and three designated drinking bays with associated swing-gates. The completion of this project has resulted in the section of the stream accessible to migratory salmonids being fenced on both banks from the confluence of the River Dee to the Estate Lake. In total 0.77km (770m) of improved habitat and 2km of improved water quality have been achieved through the delivery of this scheme. 9

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Liming and Water Quality Improvement Schemes Case Study: Afon Berwyn Liming Project The Afon Berwyn in the Teifi catchment has been identified as being impacted by acidification.

Afonydd Cymru (AC) has worked in partnership with volunteers from Teifi Rivers Trust, Carmarthenshire Rivers Trust, and Tregaron Angling Association and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Officers to facilitate the application of granulated lime to the Afon Berwyn. The lime applications form part of an ongoing programme that aims to improve water quality in the Berwyn by buffering against/counteracting the detrimental acidic episodes to which the river is vulnerable. Episodic declines in pH are a limiting factor to the ecology of affected rivers and streams because of their toxic effects on invertebrates and fish. The addition of granulated lime to this headwater stream will contribute towards the restoration of its ecological quality and the liming activity should improve water quality, and therefore have a positive impact upon the populations of salmon, bullhead and lamprey in the upper Teifi catchment.

AC purchased granulated limestone and arranged for it to be kept at a storage site in the catchment. In 2012 volunteers from the partnership organisations assisted with the application of approximately 2.5 tonnes of granulated lime into the Afon Berwyn, at a site previously identified by NRW that is located 2.5km upstream of the Teifi Special Area of Conservation (SAC) boundary. In 2015 a further 2 tonnes of granulated lime was applied to the watercourse by the volunteers at a site situated higher up the catchment than the location used in 2012. These applications have contributed towards restoring the ecology of the Afon Berwyn and improved the water quality for fish and invertebrates over a The view of one of the distance of 8km. ditches before:

It is expected that increasing pH levels in the Berwyn should also result in further water quality improvements by reducing the toxicity of sheep dip pesticides in the watercourse. This, coupled with ongoing work to reduce the impact of other pesticides on watercourses, could result in further significant improvements in water quality in the future.

Case Study: Upper Conwy Ditch Blocking Project The initial investigative phase of this project was carried out during September 2010 and consisted of an electro-fishing survey of the Upper Conwy as well as a review of water quality and invertebrate data from NRW.

The ditch blocking programme on the Migneint Moor SSSI in the Serw catchment (upper Conwy) commenced in mid November 2011. Peat drainage as a result of the extensive BeforeDuring the project: drainage ditching (moorland gripping) in the Migneint area of the Upper Conwy has led to peat drying, acidic “flushes” and highly variable flows, resulting in channel and gravel instability, washout of fish eggs and fry and downstream flooding issues. Approximately 100km of ditches were blocked by peat dams and were re-profiled during February/March 2011 through a joint RSPB/National Trust LIFE project with the aim of restoring the active blanket bog. Afonydd Cymru helped block a further 25km of grips to complete this section, and further moderate run-off, through its EISWF project during the winter of 2011.

Initial results from completed work have shown that the increase in overland flowand pooling within blocked drains appears to have led to a less flashy river system. Peak flow responses in both drains and upland streams are less severe, with more rainfall being After retained within the bog. The moderation of flash floods achieves multiple benefitsThe by easement after works were preventing the discharge of acid ‘spikes’, lessening the erosion damage to the river completed: channel and reducing the scouring of spawning gravels. It is also reasonable to suggest that grip blocking all the NT-owned Migneint will almost certainly have some long-term beneficial effects against flooding downstream at Llanrwst with the 8,000 acre moor acting as an effective sponge. Completion of the ditch blocking has resulted in approximately 20km of main stem upper Conwy benefitting from improved water quality.

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EISWF End of Project Report Project Communication and Community Engagement

Key to the success of the EISWF project was the engagement of stakeholders, liaison with riparian landowners, the recruitment of rivers trust volunteers and education of the public. Afonydd Cymru and its member Rivers Trusts attended shows, ran workshops, worked with volunteers and published newsletters to inform people about the activities of the project and raise awareness of the importance of helping to protect the river environment and its wildlife.

During the life of the EISWF project staff and volunteers annually manned stands at the Welsh Game Fair, Denbigh and Flint Show and Pembrokeshire County Show. At these events the work of the project was profiled and the public were invited to learn more about the issues facing Welsh rivers, and the solutions being delivered by Rivers Trusts. Engaging with families was particularly important, and invertebrate displays allowing interaction with live river creatures were a fantastic means of sparking an interest in local rivers - inspiring the younger generation to get involved with their protection. The Shows are a high visibility platform and vehicle for volunteer recruitment which, particularly in Pembrokeshire where regular work parties and surveys continue, is an ongoing legacy of the project.

Published newsletters featured updates on the achievements of the EISWF project along with details of other Rivers Trusts activities, with online versions available via the Afonydd Cymru website. The website was updated into a new “magazine” style format in 2013.

Presentations about the work of the EISWF project have been delivered to a wide spectrum of people and include:

 Ballinderry River Enhancement Association and Association of Rivers Trusts Spring seminar in Cookstown, Northern Ireland on the 19th May 2010. The seminar focussed on local actions to achieve EU Objectives and the role of the Rivers Trusts and community groups in delivering EU targets. The event was attended by over 120 delegates representing over 70 different organisations.  In 2011 the Project Manager was the key note speaker at the EA Fisheries Technical Workshop in Malvern and gave a presentation on the work of the EISWF Project.  Project Officer and volunteers from CCGRT and WDT hosted a stand with a display and PowerPoint presentation at the Brenig Fisheries Conference in May 2011. This event organised by the EAW provided an opportunity to promote the work of the EISWF Project and the Trusts to the wider angling community.  22nd February 2012 the Project Manager and Chair of the Project Management Board attended a Nutrient Workshop for farmers in the Llys y Fran catchment in Pembrokeshire that was hosted by EAW and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. A presentation was given to the workshop about the work of the EISWF project and the benefits that were arising from habitat improvement projects being delivered in the county. The workshop was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the project and the work of Rivers Trusts more widely within the farming community and to promote best practice management of land adjacent to rivers.  22nd October 2013 – Project Manager gave a presentation to the Institute of Fisheries Management Annual Conference in Cardiff.  June 2014 - EISWF display stand at the Llyn Padarn Biodiversity Show in Llanberis.  In 2015 Project staff across the geographic area of delivery have met with a variety of organisations including Snowdonia National Park, Coed Cymru and the Farming Union of Wales to discuss work undertaken by the EISWF project, share best practice and disseminate advice on issues relating to the delivery of fisheries improvement projects.

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EISWF End of Project Report Workshops and Training During the course of the EISWF Project multiple volunteers have learnt new skills and grown in workshops and training sessions were provided for confidence and capability. volunteers in each of the five Rivers Trust areas. The most significant area of training has been in river Providing feedback sessions to volunteers on the success walkover survey techniques with twelve workshops/field of their surveys and the completion of any projects sessions being delivered to nearly 200 volunteers. identified as a result of their work has been an important part of developing the volunteer groups and These events, often run in collaboration with NRW and keeping them engaged. the Wild Trout Trust, have introduced volunteers to the standard (NRW) methodology for recording features in Other important areas of training during the EISWF river catchments and habitat restoration techniques, project have included the following: along with the principles of why good habitats are so  Many volunteers have also participated in the Riverfly important for migratory salmonid fisheries. The sessions Partnership ARMI (Anglers Riverfly Monitoring combined theory presentations with outdoor field trips, Initiative) and have learnt kick sampling techniques during which the volunteers carried out a survey of a and invertebrate identification skills. river stretch. This allowed the attendees to gain practical  19th March 2014 AC, PRT and TRT worked with the experience of using GPS equipment and become familiar West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre to with the necessary forms used to record the details of facilitate a training day on Invasive Non Native key river features and identified problems. Species (INNS). The day included presentations from the Biodiversity Implementation Officer for These events are an important follow-on step for Pembrokeshire Biodiversity Partnership, the Manager recruited volunteers as they become empowered to of the West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre, contribute towards wider project delivery. Working with and also representatives from local community the Trusts volunteers has played a significant part in the groups that are tackling INNS. 28 people identification and delivery of improvement projects and representing 10 organisations attended. the level of volunteer involvement in the actual design  An electro-fishing course for Conwy volunteers took and supervision of improvement schemes has increased place in 2011. This training has enabled them to in a number of the Trusts throughout the EISWF delivery undertake surveys of the Upper Conwy tributaries to period. This has built capacity within those Trusts as the gather further data on fish populations and habitat availability/suitability.

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Surveying and Monitoring

Gathering information for river habitat improvement projects often begins with the work of volunteers. Supporting volunteer groups and co-ordinating their activities to keep up the momentum is a vitally important activity for Rivers Trusts. Delivering surveying and monitoring projects involves the input of volunteers who give up their time in support of improving wildlife habitats and preserving fish stocks. As well as regular invertebrate monitoring by teams of trained ARMI volunteers, river catchment walkover surveys provide essential detailed knowledge about the issues affecting watercourses. The data gathered from surveys is crucial for informing the prioritisation of projects and helping to focus funding on those river reaches that are known to be failing for fisheries. Throughout the EISWF project there has been close liaison with NRW officers responsible for Water Framework Directive (WFD) work across each of the Rivers Trust areas to organise the sharing of information held by NRW on the WFD classification of rivers, and in particular those that are failing their fisheries targets. This information has been used by the EISWF staff to work with key members of all the Trusts to develop volunteer walkover survey programmes on priority catchments in order to identify issues and potential fishery improvement projects for delivery.

Undertaking walkover surveys has formed a critical part of the EISWF project and in total over 60 river surveys, covering several hundred kilometres, have been completed by Project staff and Rivers Trust volunteers. The surveys have varied in size and scope from individual sites or single target river reaches, to extensive tributary/catchment scale walkovers e.g. on the River Clettwr in the Teifi catchment 30km has been covered by volunteer surveyors.

A Volunteers Survey Pack was developed and distributed to every volunteer surveyor in order to ensure they were properly equipped to carry out surveys. The packs contained maps of their survey stretches, survey information recording forms, guides to site risks and risk assessment, Health and Safety Guidelines, forms for recording details of migration barriers, habitat features and in-stream habitat guides, volunteer authorisation letters from their Rivers Trusts and photo ID cards, Invertebrate stream health check guides and a “script” of frequently asked questions for use when contacting landowners to arrange access permissions.

Widespread problems of agricultural pollution have been identified through the walkover surveys and an improved assessment of these issues, with implementation of solutions was offered as part of this project. Following on from surveys the Project staff liaised with NRW, and the Trusts volunteer teams to assess the potential of various schemes for delivery and prioritised them. This work included investigating the suitability of various fish-pass designs for use with identified easements, researching into the requirements for eel passage, making contact with the local relevant authorities regarding access permissions and securing necessary consents prior to work commencing, and negotiating with landowners to develop the most appropriate project to resolve the identified problems.

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EISWF End of Project Report Conclusions and Future Look The EISWF project has met or exceeded nearly all of its The “bottom up” community approach of the EISWF targets and has efficiently managed the grant awarded to project has achieved real sustainable improvements to achieve the aim of delivering an extended programme of the local environment and has complemented the “top cost effective environmental improvement schemes, in down” regulatory function of Natural Resources Wales, partnership with local communities, that were carefully the statutory organisation responsible for the designed to improve migratory fisheries. environment, who are active and supportive project partners. The capacity of member Rivers Trusts has been vastly improved through the EISWF project. Project staff In addition to environmental improvements , the project assisted volunteers within the Rivers Trusts to deliver the has brought a number of other important benefits to project outputs. As a result of this cohesive approach, a Rivers Trusts and their local communities; significantly pool of individuals with a good knowledge of valuable landowner contacts and community goodwill environmental and fisheries management has been and involvement has been achieved, empowering developed within each Trust that will contribute towards volunteers to participate in Riverfly monitoring and the future sustainable management of migratory walkover surveying. As a result of this project local fisheries. catchment knowledge has been strengthened and the public is more aware of the work of Rivers Trusts. Experience gained during the delivery of the EISWF project has demonstrated that member Rivers Trusts are AC has worked closely with NRW throughout the life of effective at delivering sustainable improvements to the EISWF project to promote sustainable management fisheries. This is because they have utilised local of fisheries including the reduction of exploitation in volunteers in the delivery process, and the network of fisheries at risk of failing conservation targets. The local contractors that has been established has enabled Rivers Trust movement in Wales has made a major the completion of schemes at significantly cheaper rates contribution towards the sustainable management of than those used by larger organisations. The systems rivers and continues to deliver projects that will assist and procedures established as part of this project will with the recovery of migratory fish stocks. enable schemes to continue to be developed and delivered efficiently and cost effectively in the future.

Despite the extensive work of this and other projects  Securing better management of Welsh fisheries. throughout Wales carried out by NRW, Rivers Trusts and  Facilitating more community engagement in other organisations, there remains a significant amount educational projects and securing a greater level of of work still to do in order for Welsh rivers to reach Good involvement in volunteer activities like Ecological Status (Water Framework Directive obligation, surveying and monitoring. to be achieved by 2027). Fish stocks are low and habitats  Delivery of further collaborative projects with continue to be damaged by harmful levels of diffuse partner bodies such as Coed Cymru, Woodland Trust, pollution, invasive species, bank erosion, siltation of NRW, DCWW and wildlife trusts, which are aimed at spawning gravels, reduced water quality and poor land improving land and water management practices and management practices. enable the combining of resources and expertise.

Afonydd Cymru and its nine member Rivers Trusts Afonydd Cymru relies heavily on volunteer support and continue to lobby and strive towards improving the third party funding to achieve its aims and the current ecological status of Welsh rivers with a dedicated team climate of limited funding is challenging and increasingly of trustees, project staff and volunteers. competitive.

Aspirations for the future include: It is hoped that the successful delivery of the EISWF  improved ecological status for Welsh rivers and project, and the suite of environmental and fisheries associated wildlife and habitats. improvements that have been generated by it, will  The continued ability to deliver programmes of demonstrate the capabilities of Welsh Rivers Trusts and prioritised environmental improvement projects. act as a platform for securing future funding.

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EISWF End of Project Report Project Summary The EISWF project was designed to deliver significant improvements to the riverine environment and sustain fisheries in rivers across Wales. Each scheme delivered as part of this project has resulted in substantial benefits to migratory fish by increasing their access to spawning areas and/or through the improvement of water quality and river habitat restoration. These improvements were achieved through the completion of 63 easements of obstructions to fish passage, 3 liming and water quality improvement schemes and 74 habitat restoration schemes. The table and graphic below details the projects targets and achievements.

For the duration of the EISWF projects delivery, work was overseen by the AC Project Management Board. In addition, the EISWF project was inspected twice by Welsh Government and audited twice by the European Funds Audit Team (EFAT). On all four occasions the project was found to be fulfilling the requirements of its funding and no irregularities were reported. The EFAT audits identified a number of areas of best practice linkedto administrative and financial controls that were being applied to the project’s management.

Afonydd Cymru EISWF Project Achievements Output - Targets and Results Fish Easements Liming/Water Quality Habitat Restoration Improved Access Improved water Restored habitat Schemes schemes quality 63 3 74 342.1 km 51.7 km 42.316 km (Target = 67) (Target = 3) (Target = 78) (Target = 288 km) (Target = 44 km) (Target = 32.8 km)

Figure 3 Project Targets and Achievements

Project Contributors:

Funding: European Union European Fisheries Fund and Welsh Government Project Staff: Project Manager: Helen Jobson, Senior Project Officer: Richard White Office Manager: Selena Francis Part-time Project Officers: Glyn Jones, Dr Rosie Anthony, Jo Cunningham, Hywel Price Report Authors: Helen Jobson and Jo Cunningham Technical Advice: Professor John Stoner, Frank Jones Active contributors from Clwyd Conwy & Gwynedd Rivers Trust: Roger Thomas Rivers Trusts: Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust: Lloyd Evans South East Wales Rivers Trust: Anthony Rees, Jonathan Mead, Brian Walkley Teifi Rivers Trust: Dr Ian Thomas, John Morris Welsh Dee Trust: Huw Evans, Mark Pierce, Richard Lucas Support and advice: Natural Resources Wales officers in each region of Wales Office hosting and facilities: Natural Resources Wales, Bangor and Haverfordwest 15 Afonydd Cymru Environmental Improvements to Sustain Welsh Fisheries October 2015

Afonydd Cymru worked with 5 of its member Rivers Trusts to deliver a range of Environmental Improvement projects to Sustain Welsh Fisheries.

Project Achievements:  63 Fish easements, resulting in 342 kilometres of improved access for spawning (119% of project target)  74 River habitat improvement projects, resulting in 42 kilometres of restored habitat (129% of project target)  3 Water quality improvement schemes  98% of available budget spent (£1,653,427)

Picture: R White

Picture: D Sweet

Pictures illustrating river wildlife - a pair of spawning salmon, bullhead fish (Miller’s Thumb) and otter family

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2015

Afonydd Cymru would like to thank its funders, member Rivers Trusts, Natural Resources Wales and all of the organisations who have worked in partnership to make the EISWF schemes possible. The project has successfully delivered its key targets and has contributed towards the ongoing efforts to ensure that Welsh rivers reach their Water Framework Directive targets of Good Ecological Status by 2027. Afonydd Cymru and its member Rivers Trusts are committed to ensuring that this important work continues.

Special thanks go to the volunteers of Rivers Trusts who regularly survey watercourses, monitor river invertebrate levels and work hard to identify the issues that Afonydd Cymru have addressed through the EISWF Project.

Afonydd Cymru, c/o Natural Resources Wales, Llys Afon, Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA61 2BQ www.afonyddcymru.org