ITV Coverage for CLA Cymru Waterwise Programme
ITV were filming this week on member Russell Morgan's farm in Usk, where we were able to discuss the impacts of flooding, ITV Coverage for CLA Cymru Waterwise Programme highlights urgent flooding and erosion issues.
Usk Flooding and Erosion
This week, Hannah Thomas from ITV News, reported from CLA Cymru member Russell Morgan's farm in Usk, where he was interviewed with Director Victoria Bond. His farm has suffered significant land loss due to accelerated riverbank erosion, a situation exacerbated by current river management practices and ever present threat of increased flooding with the Winter storms.
The Impact on Russell Morgan’s Farm
In September 2023, CLA Cymru hosted a Waterwise event on Russell's farm, focusing on sustainable water and land management practices. Tragically, the very land that facilitated these discussions has since been entirely eroded by the River Usk's intensified flow. This loss not only diminishes agricultural productivity but also potentially contributes to nutrient imbalances in the river, adversely affecting its ecological health.
Cause and Effects of the Flooding
The erosion and consequences for farmers along the River Usk is influenced by several factors:
- River Management Practices: Decisions by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), such as modifications to the river's flow and flood management strategies, have inadvertently increased the river's velocity in certain sections. This heightened flow accelerates bank erosion, leading to significant land loss for adjacent farms.
- Soil Erosion and Nutrient Runoff: The loss of riverbanks results in substantial soil erosion, which contributes to elevated nutrient levels in the water. This nutrient enrichment can lead to algal blooms and a decline in water quality, impacting aquatic life.
Increased rainfall intensity and frequency exacerbate flooding events caused by climate change, is further stressing the riverbanks and surrounding landscapes.
CLA Cymru Director Victoria Bond emphasised the need for a clear pathway for landowners to seek advice, permission, and funding to take necessary action, noting that many currently feel abandoned by the system.
"The existing regulatory framework often leaves farmers without clear guidance or authority to protect their land effectively. The challenges faced by landowners under current legislation are prohibitive, restricting individual efforts to manage riverbanks and implement erosion control measures. We recognise the need for management, but at the same time these on the ground issues need common sense solutions."
NRW's perspective
In response to the ITV report, Natural Resources Wales acknowledged the challenges posed by riverbank erosion and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address these issues. They highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at sustainable river management and the need for adaptive strategies in the face of climate change.
Consequences for farmers
Consequences for Farmers and the Environment
Russell Morgan’s farm serves as a stark example of the real-world impact of these challenges. The ITV report showed how his land has been progressively eaten away by the river, with floodwaters depositing debris and silt, making the land impossible to farm.
Soil erosion is not just an agricultural issue—it also damages water quality in the River Usk. The Wye and Usk Foundation has identified that excess sediment and nutrients from eroded soil contribute to serious ecological imbalances, harming fish populations and increasing the risk of pollution.
What’s Preventing Farmers from Taking Action?
Current legislation places significant restrictions on landowners, preventing them from taking direct action to reinforce riverbanks or manage flooding risks without obtaining complex permissions. The bureaucracy involved can delay action for months or even years, during which time erosion continues unchecked. There are cases when farmers have been jailed for touching riverbanks without these permissions.
Additionally, there is no clear system of compensation for landowners like Russell who lose productive land due to flooding or government flood management decisions. The lack of clarity on legal and financial support leaves many farmers vulnerable to further losses.
What needs to change?
What Needs to Change?
Through its' Waterwise programme, CLA Cymru, alongside educational initiatives, is calling for urgent reforms to ensure landowners have the tools and support needed to protect their land and local ecosystems. These include:
1 - Clearer Pathways for Action
There must be a straightforward and accessible process for landowners to:
- Seek advice on flood and erosion mitigation
- Apply for and obtain permissions without excessive delays
- Access funding for sustainable river management solutions
2 - A Collaborative Approach to River Management
NRW, policymakers, and farmers must work together to ensure flood strategies do not disproportionately harm landowners. A balanced approach is needed to protect both agricultural livelihoods and river ecosystems.
3 - Compensation and Financial Support for Landowners
Farmers like Russell should not be expected to absorb the full cost of land loss due to external flood management decisions. CLA Cymru is calling for:
- A compensation scheme for land lost to erosion and flooding
- Funding support for erosion control measures
The erosion of Russell Morgan’s farm illustrates a growing crisis that cannot be ignored. Without clearer action pathways, proper compensation, and more collaborative decision-making, many more farmers along the River Usk and beyond will face the same fate.
CLA Cymru’s Waterwise programme remains committed to working with landowners, NRW, and policymakers to ensure farmers have the resources, knowledge, and authority to protect their land.
Our policy lead on the program is Policy Advisor Sarah James and you can contact her at sarah.james@cla.org.uk
Further Information
- ITV News Report: Livelihoods Damaged Due to Rapidly Eroding River Usk
- NRW Usk Management Catchment Report: Read here
- Wye & Usk Foundation: Excessive Soil Loss to Water: Read here
- State of the River Usk Report: Read here
