UK: River Wye health status downgraded by Natural England after wildlife review

Published 2023년 5월 30일

Tridge summary

The River Wye's health status has been downgraded by Natural England to 'unfavourable-declining' due to water quality deterioration, with the Wildlife Trusts blaming intensive chicken farming for the pollution. The decline in the river's condition has led to a decrease in key species such as the Atlantic salmon and white-clawed crayfish. The Wildlife Trusts are advocating for a moratorium on new or extended intensive livestock production units in the Wye catchment and are urging farmers and supermarkets to collaborate with nature charities to cease pollution. The environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has called for local plans to address water quality issues and support farmers in producing food sustainably.
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Original content

The River Wye’s health status has been downgraded by Natural England, as wildlife charities accuse the government of failing to stop farming pollution harming the waterway. The government nature watchdog has updated the status of the river from “unfavourable-improving” to “unfavourable-declining”, meaning its condition is poor – and worsening. The assessment shows the river, which flows for 155 miles from mid-Wales to the Severn estuary in England, has experienced declines in key species such as the Atlantic salmon and white-clawed crayfish. Previous studies have linked its decline – the river has been pictured over the years going from clear and full of wildlife to the colour of pea soup – to intensive chicken farming on the catchment. This is because the poultry reared in the area produce large amounts of manure, which contains nutrients including phosphorus. Much of this is spread on the land, which can result in the phosphorus it contains entering the river. The Wildlife ...
Source: TheGuardian

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