Well here we go again it seems.  What has the last 18 years been all about I wonder. Looks like we are set to start all over again .

Just  received this from a somewhat irate friend;

 I have just received a letter from Natural England/EA to inform me of a plan to develop a “River Restoration Strategy” for the lower Wye and River Lugg SSSI’s. There is an invite to an Introductory meeting at the Grange in Leominster 29th Jan at 2pm. Guess who I have to RSVP to? None other than Simon Evans at WUF!

Not only are WUF in bed with NRW, but Natural England as well!

See below or better GOOGLE  this link www.wyecatchmentpartnership.org

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Developing a River Restoration Strategy for the lower River Wye and River Lugg Sites of
Special Scientific Interest
The Wye and Lugg are two of the most renowned rivers in Britain, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. In
recognition of their ecological value, the rivers and some of their tributaries have been designated as a
nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The River Wye further qualifies as being
internationally important for its wildlife and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
However, both rivers have experienced a long history of modification as a result of changes in the river and
floodplain use. This means that the conditions necessary for typical river habitats and species have been
degraded. River restoration is needed to improve the physical habitat condition of the rivers as one element
of getting the rivers into overall favourable condition. The long‐term aim of restoration is to move the rivers
towards a more naturally functioning state that supports a diverse ecology and wildlife, whilst recognising
other interests and river‐users needs.
In order to start to address physical habitat degradation, river restoration strategies for the English and cross
border sections of the Lower River Wye (downstream of Hay) and the River Lugg SSSI have been prepared. All
the available and survey information has been brought together to produce a restoration strategy for each
river.
Delivery of the restoration plans
We will use the comments received on the plan and the meeting to shape a restoration strategy that can be
implemented by working in partnership with landowners and managers. The restoration plan will be used
from 2015 onwards to guide the delivery of restoration projects on the ground to improve the habitat along
both rivers. It will also inform decisions made about river management activities including targeting of
Countryside Stewardship and catchment sensitive farming and river management activities.
Over time, restoration of the rivers will improve them for the species and habitats that depend on them, and
help the rivers become more resilient to future extremes of flow and temperature. This should in turn benefit
the people who live and work on the rivers.
More information
For general questions about the restoration strategy, please contact Gill Walters at the Environment Agency:
Telephone: 01743 283426 or mobile: 07710 903492
E-mail: gill.walters@environment-agency.gov.uk