WITH Welsh Water and three food producers now facing civil legal action over the effects of pollution in the Wye, Lugg and Usk catchment area, three residents who have been impacted have been having their say.

River Wye
Leigh Day lawyers say pollution of the Wye has hit local communities (.)

Dave Shaw (aged 56)

Dave and his family moved to the Wye area almost 20 years ago, with the natural history of the area and connection to his profession as a wildlife educator a strong attraction.

Dave recalls fond memories of the river when his daughters were young, exploring the Wye and looking for different kinds of wildlife.

But over recent years, Dave says he has noticed a decline in the river salmon, trout and other wildlife.

Campaigners like Angela Jones blame run offs from poultry farms for some of the pollution problems the river suffers

“We moved as a family to the Wye area with a young daughter and another on the way. The incredible nature and wildlife surrounding the river was a big reason for our decision to move here,” he says.

“The river allowed us to have some cherished memories with our daughters, pond dipping and looking in and around the water for wildlife.

“Some years ago, we started to notice a decline. Rocks became coated in a brown sludge, and the river began to smell. We no longer wanted our children in it. The UK should be a model of how to look after the environment, but instead ours is being trashed.”

Pete Redding (aged 56)

Pete has lived in Herefordshire for the past 15 years, having previously worked in the area doing outdoor pursuits. He now spends time coracling and flyfishing in the River Wye.

He says has seen a dramatic change in the river, with the ranunculus plant that used to densely populate the river and provide an important ecosystem for wildlife now almost disappeared.

Pete also has concerns with areas of the river near sewage outflows, which he says look like a washing up bowl has just emptied white foam into the water, with a foul smell coming from it.

River Cottage star Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and North Herefordshire Green candidate Ellie Chowns in the Wye at Hoarwithy
River Cottage star Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and North Herefordshire Green candidate, and now MP, Ellie Chowns highlighted the problem of Wye pollution at Hoarwithy during the last election. Photo: BBC Local Democracy (BBC Local Democracy)

He said: “I used to love telling people about all the different ways they can enjoy the River Wye and explore the amazing wildlife it houses.

“But now, I’m more likely to be warning people about getting in for fear of them getting sick. For so long the river was a big boost for my mental health, giving me a place where I could reset and ground myself. But what used to be a joy has now turned into a source of anger and frustration when I see the state of it.”

Thomas Garland
Thomas Garland. Photo: Leigh Day (Leigh Day)

Thomas Garland (aged 25)

Thomas grew up in the Forest of Dean, with the River Wye his nearest river. He spent time in his childhood and teenage years kayaking and canoeing along the river as a Cub Scout, and canoed the entire length of the river in 2018 in aid of pancreatic cancer research.

He recalls seeing salmon and other wildlife swimming beneath his feet when exploring the river when he was younger, but now says he no longer see this. Instead, he says he sees sludge on the banks of the river, and much less wildlife.

“I grew up enjoying the benefits of the river, spending time throughout my childhood and adult years canoeing and kayaking along it. But over the past few years the health of the river has declined, and I no longer feel comfortable going in,” he says.

My fiancé and I are expecting a baby soon and I would love to take them down to explore the river like I did as a child, but I no longer feel like I could.”