The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (01 February) welcomed the news that the Welsh Government has given “indicative approval” to the Uwch Conwy project. This project looks to assist in the storage of flood waters in the upland by slowing water flows through the restoration of moors. This work includes ditch blocking and river restoration. 

The entire Conwy catchment covers over 574 km2 - an area the size of the Isle of Man. The cooperative project is spearheaded by Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust, with an agency official seconded to the Trust to push the work forward.  The Welsh environment quango says that it now aims to  deliver Peat restoration and River restoration initiatives, alongside the Uwch Conwy project, as part of the wider Uwch Conwy Partnership approach. 

Commenting on the positive development in her ongoing flood campaign, Janet said:  

“Linking the local management of the land to new opportunities for our rural communities, in places like Penmachno, should remain absolutely key to any plans to tackle entrenched flood issues.  

“I welcome the news that this crucial link will be central to the Uwch Conwy project, which has now been given indicative approval from the Welsh Government. After all, it is only by working in harmony with our rural communities – the custodians of this land for generations – that this project will witness any success. 

“Any proposed intervention on uplands management should continue to support farming in North West Wales, whose sustainable methods are proven to work in harmony with nature. It has long been recognised that a one-size-fits-all approach to agricultural policy cannot deal with local issues. 

“I will continue to undertake meetings with all stakeholders to ensure that the land management expertise of our local farmers remains central to this project. I recognise that reservations remain about NRW’s ability to deliver on its river restoration aims.”  

ENDS 

Notes for Editors:  

• For more information on the Uwch Conwy project and the involvement of the National Trust, please click here.  
• For more information on the Uwch Conwy project and the involvement of Natural Resources Wales, please click here.  
• For the recent news that Welsh farming has been recognised as some of the most sustainable in the world, please click here.  

Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS