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Restoring Wales’ rivers

We're working to improve hundreds of kilometres of river in Wales as part of a major collaborative project to benefit people and nature.

  • Trees alongside rivers can reduce flooding, boost biodiversity, lock up carbon and provide shelter for livestock.

    Credit: Natural Resources Wales

  • We're working closely with farmers, landowners, councils and communities to enhance and restore Wales' river habitat.

    Credit: Natural Resources Wales

  • The River Usk is one of the largest rivers in Wales.

    Credit: Natural Resources Wales

  • More than 24,000 trees along rivers have already been planted as part of the project.

    Credit: Natural Resources Wales

Our commitment to riparian restoration

The Four Rivers for LIFE project is an ambitious initiative led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), aimed at restoring the ecological health of four major rivers in Wales: the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk.

These rivers are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) due to their international importance for wildlife and plant species, including Atlantic salmon, lamprey, shad, otter and water crowfoot.

As a key partner in this project, we are dedicated to enhancing and restoring approximately 500 kilometres of river in Wales over five years. Our primary contribution involves the planting of 50,000 native broadleaved trees along riverbanks to create riparian woodlands.

These riparian woodlands serve multiple ecological functions, including:

  • water quality improvement – trees act as natural filters, absorbing agricultural runoff, thereby reducing pollution and improving downstream water quality
  • habitat creation – the planted trees provide healthy habitats for various wildlife species, contributing to increased biodiversity along the river corridors
  • erosion control – tree roots stabilise riverbanks, reducing erosion and soil loss into the rivers
  • temperature regulation – canopy cover from trees shades the rivers, helping to regulate water temperatures, which is crucial for the survival of temperature-sensitive aquatic species.

Trees woods and wildlife

Wet woodland

Wild, transient, boggy and rare. Wet woodlands are now some of our least common wooded habitats. Trees like alder, willows and birch dominate on wet soils, whilst sedges, ferns and mosses flourish beneath.

Find out more about wet woodland

Collaborative efforts and community engagement

Our efforts are part of a broader collaboration involving organisations such as the National Trust, West Wales Rivers Trust and local county councils. Together, we have successfully planted over 24,000 native trees along the banks of the four rivers.

We also work closely with farmers and landowners to implement sustainable land management practices. By creating buffer strips between farmland and rivers, we aim to reduce nutrient runoff and promote healthier river ecosystems.

The Four Rivers for LIFE project is a significant step towards achieving the European Union's goal of restoring 25,000 kilometres of river by 2030.

Through continued collaboration and community involvement, we remain committed to restoring and preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Wales' rivers for future generations.

Explore the evidence

Help restore Wales' rivers