Organised and hosted by Herefordshire Council, it brings together farmers, land owners, environmental groups and industry experts to look at innovative new solutions to help protect and restore the River Wye and tributaries.

Tackling pollution of the much-loved River Wye Catchment is a key priority for residents. The Council, alongside national government partners and agencies, and dedicated bodies including the Nutrient Management Board, collaborate to help improve water quality. Reducing nutrients - particularly phosphates - entering our watercourses is vital to the health of the freshwater environment.

The Rivers Conference covered projects underway on Wye tributaries the rivers Arrow, Lugg and Frome, findings from key national research, and progress with local pilots. Speakers, including farmers across Herefordshire, highlighted projects such as:

• The Mowley Valley habitat restoration and creation scheme on the river Arrow
• Farm management solutions to improve river health
• Mineral gypsum’s role in improving soil conditions, reducing run off, and preventing phosphates losses
• Biochar’s role as a novel treatment to retain nutrients in the soil and improve water quality

Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:

“We must work in partnership to tackle this important issue. That’s why we bring together the key players, from farmers to academic researchers and government agencies, to focus on solutions. The annual Rivers Conference provides a great focal point for the sector.

“Many projects are well under way, from creating integrated wetlands, which can naturally remove nutrients from the water, to the variety of approaches highlighted at the conference. The commitment of farmers to piloting innovative new land management techniques and interventions is vital. We can test and learn, and scale up what works across the county.”