Friends of the Lower Wye held their first ‘WYE JULY’ event next to Monmouth’s historic Monnow Bridgeto highlight the plight of the river.

The Sunday, July 10, showcase was to promote how important the health of the river and valley is to all local people, visitors and wildlife.

In the last five years the quality of the river water has declined significantly due in the main to a change in farming practices to a more intensive type, say environmental campaigners.

It is widely reported that in the Wye Valley catchment area there are now more than 20 million chickens being farmed.

This leads to an enormous amount of manure being spread onto the land.

Avara, one of the main chicken producers, have stated that more than 200,000 tons of manure is spread yearly onto the ground.

With fields already saturated from muckspreading upriver, this leads to run off into the Wye and its tributaries when there is heavy rain, causing nitrates and phosphates produce a reaction in the water that in turn causes algae blooms to form.

This leads to little sunlight reaching the bottom of the river, so plant life and fish die.

Ninety five per cent of water crowfoot has been lost in the past five years, say scientists, which supports all forms of life from invertebrates, to fish and swans.

‘Wye July’ Monmouth had 18 local clubs, groups and organisations that all have a connection to the river and valley, from Gwent Wildlife Trust, AONB, Rotary club, to the Meadows group and Monmouth Angling Society.

The day started with a procession from Shire Hall down the high street lead by the ‘Algae Monster’ and Samba Band.

The day was very well attended with visits made by David Davies MP, Monmouthshire Council leader Mary-Anne Brocklesby, councillors including Monmouth representative Catherine Fookes and the Forest of Dean’s , Monmouth plus Chris McFarling,

Organisers Mike Dunsbee, Mollie Meager, Rachel Bomford and Nick Day said it was important to get the message out about the state of the Wye and get the various authorities to tighten up on legislation before the river dies.

“We would all like to thank the stall holders, performers and all the visitors for making the day most enjoyable,” they said.

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