Drones are taking part in rejuvenation efforts on the River Wye, UK’s beloved waterway under a new Welsh Government Initiative.
The Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project was announced by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show on July 22.
The project primarily focuses on the river stretch upstream of Hay-on-Wye, aiming to reduce pollutants, improvements to its resilience to extreme weather, protect species, and better habitat conditions.
NRW’s team leader, Susie Tudge said: "Launching the project has been a long time coming and I’m delighted that we are now up and running.
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"We all have our role to play in improving the local environment, and this project is one of NRW’s major contributions to the cause.
"Working together, we can make a major change in how the catchment looks.
"This will benefit everyone, including the local environment and wildlife."
The project will use drones (Image: Natural Resources Wales)
Aside from reducing sediment entering the river, the efforts include measures to slow the overland water flow, reconnect floodplains, and removal of barriers obstructing fish movement and gravel.
This project targets not just the preservation of species like the Atlantic salmon, otters and water crowfoot, but also non-native species causing bank erosion.
Successful execution will need good collaboration with farmers, landowners, communities, and organisations.
The focus includes creating in-river habitats, reducing pollution, preventing soil erosion, and restoring river corridors.
A comprehensive monitoring programme involves ecological surveys, photography and the use of drones.
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