Senior Powys councillors approve River Wye charter

Senior Powys councillors have approved a six-point charter to safeguard the River Wye.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet on Tuesday, May 19, councillors received a report asking them to “endorse and adopt” a charter for the River Wye and its tributaries.

Cabinet member for climate change and environmental matters, Councillor Jackie Charlton (Liberal Democrat – Llangattock and Llangynidr), said: “The River Wye is central to our environment heritage and communities here in Powys.

“This charter is making a clear statement that the river’s health matters and must be protected, restored and safeguarded for generations to come.

“Adopting the charter positions Powys as a leader in environmental stewardship and nature recovery.”

She added that the charter provides a “clear framework” to respond collectively to a number of challenges that have left it in an “unfavourable condition” due to pollution, nutrients and climate change.

The charter would be “embedded” into the council’s work and policy strategies and decision making, particularly for the Planning and Land management departments.

Cllr Charlton said: “It provides an ethical framework to guide decisions affecting the river and supports a cross-border approach to improving river health.”

She added that Forest of Dean, Hereford and Monmouthshire councils will also adopt the charter.

Council leader Cllr Jake Berriman (Liberal Democrat – Llandrindod North) said that the River Wye is in the “hearts of many that live in the area”.

Cllr Berriman: “I’ve had fishermen reach out to me and say it’s about time we did something about it.

“This isn’t about apportioning blame, but finding solutions to some of the land management issues in the interest of the River Wye.”

Cabinet member for education Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Liberal Democrat – Glasbury) lives close to the river that goes through his ward.

Cllr Gibson-Watt said: “The pollution is invisible and because of this, more insidious. The nutrient imbalance in the river has caused the problems and why the fish and birdlife has reduced dramatically.

“Without a doubt, there is a crisis.”

He believes that the moratorium on housing developments in the River Wye catchment area appeared to have had a “minimal impact” on reducing phosphates in the river “which is the principal cause of the problems.”

“I’m sure that supporting this charter will help those working to find solution,” added Cllr Gibson-Watt.

A knock-on effect is that similar charters for the Rivers Severn and Usk could be written in the future.

Cabinet went on to unanimously agree the charter, which is set to be launched on Sunday, May 24, at Hay Festival.

The charter rights are:

1- The Right to Flow and Perform Natural Functions

To maintain its natural course and seasonal rhythms without obstructions or extractions that detrimentally affect ecological function of any part of the river system.

2 – The Right to Biodiversity

To good biological health through the existence of balanced, diverse, and viable populations of native species and habitats specific to the Wye and its tributaries.

3- The Right to Be Free From Pollution

To exist in a state of ecological health and not be subject to detrimental levels of known and emerging pollutants that adversely affect the life of the river.

4 – The Right to Be Supported by a Healthy Catchment

To flow through environments which support the river as a balanced, sustainable, and resilient aquatic ecosystem.

5 – The Right to Regenerate

To recover to full ecological function through natural processes and for this to be supported by intervention, where necessary, to halt the decline in biodiversity and abundance and to increase both over time.

6 – The Right to Representation

To be represented and have these intrinsic rights recognised in the determination of matters that directly affect the river’s health now and in the future.