We already know that agriculture pollution is more significant in the pollution of our rivers than sewage. The Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021 seek to tackle the causes of water pollution from farming across Wales, from the spreading of slurry on farmland. The three-month delay announced on the 6th October 2022 is all part of steps to stop the regulation from coming into force.

This is worrying news for nature. This week Welsh Government rightly identified more needs to be done to address the nature crisis, but the pressure put on them means that more manure will threaten our rivers. 

“The delayed measures to reduce the amount of slurry and manure allowed to be spread on farmland across Wales are vital to help stop the ongoing pollution of our rivers. Any delay will lead to further deterioration in the quality of our rivers. This will continue to have a devastating impact on wildlife,” said Tim Birch from Wildlife Trusts Wales. 

The Welsh Government announced a whole series of important initiatives this week to help achieve nature’s recovery across Wales. A target of protecting 30% of land, freshwater and sea and restoring nature by 2030 has been set by the Welsh Government in line with a new global UN initiative to be announced in Montreal, Canada, later this year. 

“If Wales is serious about protecting and restoring our precious rivers, we need urgent action to stop them being polluted from spreading excess slurry on the land. The announcement of delaying action is a significant backwards step in nature’s recovery across Wales,” said Tim Birch from Wildlife Trusts Wales.

Farming sustainably is critical for nature’s recovery, but people are already outraged at the state of our rivers. A study this year showed 60% of phosphate pollution on the River Wye comes from farming. We have to reduce the amount of manure and other fertilisers going onto the land if we are ever to see clean and healthy rivers in Wales.