More than 20 community projects to share £400k water improvement investment

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to match-fund further projects

Some 21 new community projects aimed at improving the quality of Welsh rivers, lakes and waterways and creating a more vibrant and healthy environment for people and wildlife have been given the green light by Environment Agency Wales.

Voluntary groups across the country will benefit from a significant £420,000 investment to enable them to work together to improve fish migration making it easier for fish to spawn; create better living environments for fish and wildlife; and restoring woodlands and wetlands.

This work will also benefit people providing a boost to local economies and the social health and well-being of communities. The projects will help attract visitors and tourists to the area and provide amenities for local people to enjoy throughout the year.

Separately, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has also announced today that it will match the investment being made and is inviting proposals for projects that will deliver further improvements to the environment.

Both investments will help implement the European Union’s Water Framework Directive, which encourages bodies to work together for the benefit of waterways and its wildlife.

Among the 21 successful applicants announced by Environment Agency Wales are:

The Wildlife Trust of South West Wales which is improving water quality in the Swansea area by working with the public to reduce pollution;

· The Wye and Usk Foundation which is improving fish passage and protecting streams with fencing in the River Trothy catchment; and

On the Nant Gwydol and Dulas South Rivers near Machynlleth, the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and the New Dovey Fishery Association are working with the National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales to restore river catchments

Environment Agency Wales Director, Chris Mills said: ‘We have fantastic rivers, lakes and waterways in Wales and improving them further will benefit not only wildlife but people too.

‘Together, we are working with our partners and voluntary organisations to protect our waters, wildlife and wetlands to bring environmental, social and economic benefits to Wales.

‘We are grateful for the investment that Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is making to help us realise a sustainable water environment here in Wales.’

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s Director of Environment, Tony Harrington, added: ‘We strongly support investment to bring about sustainable benefits to Wales’ natural water landscape.

‘We believe that by match-funding this investment we will enable a significant increase in the ecological value of projects that can be realised by 2015, all of which will support our own aims and objectives under the Water Framework Directive.

‘As a not for profit organisation, we exist only to provide the best quality and value for money water and wastewater services for our customers, and this match-funding initiative will certainly contribute to this end.’

People can find out further information about the 21 projects and the Water Framework Directive here: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/140359.aspx