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savethewye.bsky.social
Save The Wye Coalition
@savethewye.bsky.social
1.3K followers 590 following 200 posts
#SaveTheWye campaigns for a better future for our river. It is made up of local groups from across the catchment fighting to save the Wye.
https://linktr.ee/savethewye
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savethewye.bsky.social
Save The Wye Coalition @savethewye.bsky.social · Nov 11
MANIFESTO FOR THE RIVER WYE
We call on the Governments of the UK and Wales to establish a single, cross-border approach to tackling the pollution crisis across the Wye catchment.
www.wyemanifesto.org
savethewye.bsky.social
Here is the link to the first-ever online screening of RAVE ON FOR THE AVON - a joyous, defiant documentary about a community fighting to protect the river they love. The film also features Kim Kaos aka Goddess of the Wye.
Thursday Feb 19 7:30 PM via this link:
www.eightysita.com/event-detail...
Online Premiere Screening & Live Director Q&A | EightySita
Join our one-time online screening of Rave On For The Avon, 86mins, followed immediately by a live Director Q&A hosted by Finisterre and Surfers Against Sewage
www.eightysita.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
🚨RED TRACTOR MISLEADS ON ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS

It’s time Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and other supermarkets own up to Red Tractor’s #greenwash and up their standards

- By Amy Fairman, Head of Campaigns at River Action UK.

READ MORE 🔽 #rescuebritainsrivers
ecohustler.com/culture/red-...
Red Tractor Misleads On Environmental Claims
It’s time Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons and other supermarkets own up to Red Tractor’s greenwash and up their standards
ecohustler.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
Can healthy rivers exist without healthy wetlands? 🌱🌊

Wetlands are among the UK’s most powerful natural allies in supporting healthy rivers.

They’re under threat, but restoration IS possible.

This #WorldWetlandsDay, be part of the change.🌍

👉 visit wwt.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
elliechowns.bsky.social
There is huge local effort in North Herefordshire to tackle agricultural pollution in the Wye & Lugg - but we need proper government support for the solutions local people want: farmer-led landscape recovery projects; more funding and teeth for the EA, and a WPZ for the Wye.
January 29, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
elliechowns.bsky.social
Policy must be based on evidence to be effective – so why, given agricultural pollution makes up 40% of the pollution in our waterways, did the government’s Water White Paper dedicate only a single page to addressing it?
January 28, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
elliechowns.bsky.social
Together with cross-party MPs in the River Wye catchment, I wrote to the Minister for Water and Flooding to request a meeting to discuss how we can make progress in restoring the Wye and tackling flooding.

We cannot stand by whilst the Wye continues to decline.
Dear Emma, We are writing to invite you to meet with us, cross-party MPs in the River Wye catchment, to discuss how we can make progress in restoring the Wye and tackling flooding. The Wye has been in the headlines since 2020 as a leading victim of river pollution, and also for its increasingly regular and severe floods. Cleaning up the river and reducing flooding are serious challenges which require political leadership, and this is why we’re appealing for your help. The long-awaited Diffuse Water Pollution Plan for the River Wye, produced late last year by the Environment Agency, makes clear that current and projected actions will fall far short of reducing pollution to the necessary levels. It says, especially in the Arrow/Lugg/Frome part of the catchment, that we need to reduce pollution from agriculture by 85%. It models various scenarios which show that even if we had a 100% uptake of regulatory measures, plus 100% uptake of voluntary measures, and converted 30% of arable land to zero-input grassland - we would still only get to a 60% reduction in pollution. And there’s no plan to even get that far, with no timeframe or targets offered. We can’t stand by whilst the Wye continues to decline, without any plan to prevent the pollution or restore the river. We believe the option of a Water Protection Zone (WPZ) ought to be fully evaluated, especially in relation to the worst-affected parts of the catchment, because the issues on the Wye evidently can’t be resolved without special measures. We need catchment-specific regulatory action. We need to ensure this happens across the entire catchment, encompassing Wales as well as England. For example, a WPZ could mandate larger river buffers, stop high-risk activities on high-risk land to prevent extreme soil loss, implement a moratorium on emissions from intensive livestock units, and require authorities to issue penalties when rules are breached. One of the key threats to the Wye is soil run-off. Soil entering the… practices which are exacerbating flooding, rather than mitigating it. There is a real win-win opportunity to address both flooding and river pollution with one suite of actions which would keep soil on the land, bolstering our food security at the same time. There would also be a significant local financial benefit to supporting farmers to take action to reduce flooding, especially considering the economic costs currently being borne by flooded homes, businesses and infrastructure. We are very keen to meet with you to discuss these matters. Please could you suggest a date and time for such a meeting? We would also appreciate an update on several other related matters: 1: What is happening with the promised £1 million to fund research on the Wye? 2: Why is DEFRA enabling the government to withdraw from Landscape Recovery projects with one year’s notice, when these schemes are intended to be 20-30 year schemes? We have two potential Landscape Recovery schemes on the Wye - Wyescapes and Ridge to River - and this exit clause in the contract is undermining trust for farmers and confidence for investors and risks threatening the viability of the whole scheme. 3: Why is there still no meaningful enforcement of environmental regulations and no consequences for polluting practices? The Environment Agency say they carried out 183 farm inspections in the Wye during 2024/25, of which 78 received "enforcement responses" all of which were either warning letters or site warnings. There were no penalties given out for breaches of environmental regulations, so there is still no meaningful deterrent for polluters. Thank you for your time and consideration. We are grateful for the time you’ve already spent on the Wye, and look forward to working with you to accelerate progress on such efforts. We look forward to your reply. Yours sincerely Dr Ellie Chowns MP Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire Jesse Norman MP Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire Dav…
January 27, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
friendsriverwye.bsky.social
Excellent letter from three of our Wye MPs!

Look forward to the Minister’s response
elliechowns.bsky.social Dr Ellie Chowns MP @elliechowns.bsky.social · 15d
Together with cross-party MPs in the River Wye catchment, I wrote to the Minister for Water and Flooding to request a meeting to discuss how we can make progress in restoring the Wye and tackling flooding.

We cannot stand by whilst the Wye continues to decline.
Dear Emma, We are writing to invite you to meet with us, cross-party MPs in the River Wye catchment, to discuss how we can make progress in restoring the Wye and tackling flooding. The Wye has been in the headlines since 2020 as a leading victim of river pollution, and also for its increasingly regular and severe floods. Cleaning up the river and reducing flooding are serious challenges which require political leadership, and this is why we’re appealing for your help. The long-awaited Diffuse Water Pollution Plan for the River Wye, produced late last year by the Environment Agency, makes clear that current and projected actions will fall far short of reducing pollution to the necessary levels. It says, especially in the Arrow/Lugg/Frome part of the catchment, that we need to reduce pollution from agriculture by 85%. It models various scenarios which show that even if we had a 100% uptake of regulatory measures, plus 100% uptake of voluntary measures, and converted 30% of arable land to zero-input grassland - we would still only get to a 60% reduction in pollution. And there’s no plan to even get that far, with no timeframe or targets offered. We can’t stand by whilst the Wye continues to decline, without any plan to prevent the pollution or restore the river. We believe the option of a Water Protection Zone (WPZ) ought to be fully evaluated, especially in relation to the worst-affected parts of the catchment, because the issues on the Wye evidently can’t be resolved without special measures. We need catchment-specific regulatory action. We need to ensure this happens across the entire catchment, encompassing Wales as well as England. For example, a WPZ could mandate larger river buffers, stop high-risk activities on high-risk land to prevent extreme soil loss, implement a moratorium on emissions from intensive livestock units, and require authorities to issue penalties when rules are breached. One of the key threats to the Wye is soil run-off. Soil entering the… practices which are exacerbating flooding, rather than mitigating it. There is a real win-win opportunity to address both flooding and river pollution with one suite of actions which would keep soil on the land, bolstering our food security at the same time. There would also be a significant local financial benefit to supporting farmers to take action to reduce flooding, especially considering the economic costs currently being borne by flooded homes, businesses and infrastructure. We are very keen to meet with you to discuss these matters. Please could you suggest a date and time for such a meeting? We would also appreciate an update on several other related matters: 1: What is happening with the promised £1 million to fund research on the Wye? 2: Why is DEFRA enabling the government to withdraw from Landscape Recovery projects with one year’s notice, when these schemes are intended to be 20-30 year schemes? We have two potential Landscape Recovery schemes on the Wye - Wyescapes and Ridge to River - and this exit clause in the contract is undermining trust for farmers and confidence for investors and risks threatening the viability of the whole scheme. 3: Why is there still no meaningful enforcement of environmental regulations and no consequences for polluting practices? The Environment Agency say they carried out 183 farm inspections in the Wye during 2024/25, of which 78 received "enforcement responses" all of which were either warning letters or site warnings. There were no penalties given out for breaches of environmental regulations, so there is still no meaningful deterrent for polluters. Thank you for your time and consideration. We are grateful for the time you’ve already spent on the Wye, and look forward to working with you to accelerate progress on such efforts. We look forward to your reply. Yours sincerely Dr Ellie Chowns MP Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire Jesse Norman MP Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire Dav…
January 27, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
friendsriverwye.bsky.social
BREAKING! Wow. Citizen scientists across the Wye catchment have now taken over 50,000 samples and tested them for water quality. What a phenomenal show of people power.

Read all about it: friendsoftheriverwye.org.uk/news/wye-cit...
January 26, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
🚨Government water reforms do not go far enough.🚨

The Water White Paper finally admits the scale of the freshwater emergency - but it still falls short of the urgent, radical action our rivers desperately need...

READ MORE: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Water companies to face regular MOT-style checks in industry shake-up
The government says the industry will have
www.bbc.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
⚠️The River Wye, one of the UK’s most iconic and protected rivers, is on the brink of ecological collapse.

We need action NOW. The Govt must ensure the upcoming White Paper tackles agri-pollution at its source and delivers real protection for the Wye, before it's too late.
@savethewye.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
2/2. Ministers must now act decisively. With the Government due to publish its long-awaited report on reforming the water sector, we will be watching closely to see whether they deliver the measures needed to #rescuebritainsrivers & end pollution for profit. ❌ 💷 💩

www.theoep.org.uk/news/oep-con...
OEP confirms possible failures to comply with key laws in place to protect and improve water quality | Office for Environmental Protection
www.theoep.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
🚨 BREAKING: Today, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) confirmed possible failures by DEFRA and the Environment Agency to comply with the laws meant to protect our rivers, lakes, and seas.. 1/2 🧵
January 8, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
riveractionuk.bsky.social
⚠️ TOXIC SLUDGE: what’s really being spread on UK farmland

Millions of tonnes of “fertiliser” made from sewage sludge are spread on UK fields every year. This #toxicsludge can contain microplastics & “forever chemicals”, contaminating soil & polluting rivers. 1/2🧵
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/202...
Labour urged to stop farmers spreading ‘sludge’ on fields
Using sewage byproducts to fertilise soil risks harmful chemicals getting into food chain
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
mightyearth.org
The meat and soy industry is unleashing a wave of deforestation on the Amazon rainforest by sabotaging its own success. Companies like McDonald’s, Carrefour, Tesco and Sainsbury’s that rely on the Amazon Soy Moratorium need to fight for it.
Food Companies Urged to Cut Suppliers Threatening Surge in Soy-Driven Deforestation - Mighty Earth
Traders abandoned the Amazon Soy Moratorium, setting the stage for new wave of deforestation.
mightyearth.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:12 PM
savethewye.bsky.social
We need a Water Protection Zone for the River Wye. The regulators have failed to produce a plan which will rescue the river. We believe the river needs urgent attention – the equivalent of special measures 👇
www.herefordtimes.com/news/2572518...
Row continues over how to protect ailing river Wye
PROTECTING the river Wye continues to be a source of frustration and anger about how the Environment Agency is responding to the issue.
www.herefordtimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM
savethewye.bsky.social
Eulogy for the Dead Sea and two shorts ‘This is the River Wye’ and ‘Rise and Fall’.

This is a free film event funded by #UKSP but please book at:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/llanwarne-vi...

Llanwarne Village Hall, Herefordshire, HR2 8JE.
Saturday 10th January 7:30PM.
January 2, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
elliechowns.bsky.social
If we are to truly grasp the nettle on the issue of agricultural pollution in the Wye, we need a Water Protection Zone - I pressed the government to meet with me and other local MPs to discuss how we can progress implementation of this.
December 18, 2025 at 4:35 PM
savethewye.bsky.social
EA has unveiled long-awaited Diffuse Water Pollution Plan for River Wye SAC - this will fail to rescue the river.
Louise Bodnar, Voice of the River Wye, “This is a Death Warrant for the Wye, it’s sickening that those with power to help the river choose not to.”
www.herefordtimes.com/news/2570358...
Campaigners accuse Environment Agency of signing death warrant for the Wye
On Wednesday 3 December in Moccas Village Hall the Environment Agency unveiled their long-awaited Diffuse Water Pollution Plan (DWPP) for the River…
www.herefordtimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
friendsriverwye.bsky.social
Do you remember the River Wye blooming with white flowers? Can you dig out your old photos of water crowfoot?

Please join our Big Ranunculus Watch!
December 18, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
robgmacfarlane.bsky.social
The revival of the Klamath River & its watershed over the past 14 months—after the completion of the biggest dam-removal project in US history—is one the most hopeful stories I know in our hope-stripped age.
Magnificent @bengoldfarb.bsky.social essay on it here.
emergencemagazine.org/essay/a-rive...
A River Reborn – Ben Goldfarb
Journalist Ben Goldfarb and photographer Kiliii Yüyan trace the monumental effort to restitch relationships between land, salmon, and humans on the Klamath River, after four of its most obstructive da...
emergencemagazine.org
December 14, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
ciwf.org.uk
"Just as water companies are rightly on the hook for dumping sewage, big agribusinesses should be forced to clean up their act."

@philip-ciwf.bsky.social calls on the Government to hold major polluters to account. Read his article in the @scotsman.com. ⬇️
Sewage in rivers is a real problem. But it's not even the biggest source of pollution
Intensive farming, not sewage, is the biggest threat to our waterways – and it’s time for action, writes Philip Lymbery
www.scotsman.com
December 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
tbij.bsky.social
A key chicken supplier to Tesco, Nando’s and McDonald’s extracted more water than it should for meat processing purposes – prompting concerns about water shortages in parts of the UK
December 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
tbij.bsky.social
Avara Foods, one of the UK’s biggest chicken processing companies, is no stranger to controversy – it’s already getting sued over its alleged role in polluting the River Wye

The company says the case is based on a misunderstanding

Read more 👇
McDonald’s supplier back in the spotlight for threatening local water…
Campaigners slam Avara for ‘threatening water security’ after factory is revealed to have extracted more water than its licence allowed
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by Save The Wye Coalition
friendsriverwye.bsky.social
Our latest newsletter is out!

Featuring some key developments on the River Wye, our meeting with MPs, art by Jim Murray, a Clean Water Bill for Wales and more!

mailchi.mp/4dfa77402993...
MPs, celeb support and more key news for the Wye
mailchi.mp
December 8, 2025 at 6:45 AM
savethewye.bsky.social
We are delighted that the first steps to the Rights of The River Wye Charter took place this week - our sincere congratulations to Hereford Council for this bold and visionary step. The Charter was presented in a Notice of Motion by Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst and agreed by a majority of full council.🧵
The rights of the river Wye charter
December 7, 2025 at 7:38 AM