River Wye restoration to reconnect 18km of fish habitat

Natural Resources Wales and Powys County Council have launched restoration projects to reconnect over 18km of fish habitat in the upper reaches of the River Wye. The initiative involves replacing two aging pipe bridges on the Cammarch and Duhonw rivers near Builth Wells with clear-span structures.

The current bridges restrict the natural movement of fish and sediment and require frequent maintenance due to debris buildup. The new structures will allow the rivers to function more naturally, facilitating the migration of species such as Atlantic salmon, lamprey, and bullhead, while restoring the natural transport of gravel essential for healthy ecosystems.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Nature and Climate Emergency Fund, the work is part of the Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project. This project aims to improve the condition of the upper River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC) through nature-based solutions to enhance water quality and climate resilience.