April 16, 2026 - 199 views
Landowners across North Wales are being urged to seek expert advice before carrying out any work in rivers and streams, as environmental officials warn that well-intentioned changes can often lead to costly and long-lasting damage.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says routine work such as clearing gravel, reshaping riverbanks or straightening channels is sometimes undertaken to protect farmland or manage flooding. However, without proper guidance, these interventions can quickly have the opposite effect—accelerating erosion, increasing flood risk downstream and damaging fragile habitats.
In areas such as the Conwy, Dee and Clwyd catchments, where rivers cut through farmland and communities, NRW says even small alterations to a watercourse can have significant knock-on effects. Changes upstream can influence flooding in villages and towns downstream, while also impacting fish spawning grounds and wildlife habitats that are already under pressure.
The organisation is reminding landowners that most work in or near rivers requires formal permission, either from NRW or the relevant local authority. Carrying out work without consent could constitute an offence and leave landowners open to enforcement action, stop notices and potentially expensive restoration work.
NRW specialist advisors say they are increasingly called out only after problems have already developed, when reversing damage is often difficult or impossible.
Francesca Sanchez, Specialist Advisor for Freshwater Habitats and Species at NRW, said early engagement can prevent issues escalating.
“We’re asking landowners to get in touch with us before they start any work in a river or stream. It’s genuinely in their best interest to do so,” she said. “Far too often, we hear about these activities only after something has gone wrong, and by that point landowners could face stop notices, costly restoration and enforcement action. A simple call at the start could prevent all of that.”
She added that NRW aims to support landowners in finding practical solutions that balance land management needs with environmental protection.
“We want to help landowners do things properly – in a way that protects their land, avoids damage to wildlife and doesn’t create problems for their neighbours. Getting it right first time is always easier and cheaper than putting it right afterwards.”
NRW also highlighted concerns over the loss of natural river features such as gravel shoals, which have declined significantly across Wales over the past century. These features are particularly important in North Wales rivers, where they provide essential spawning habitat for fish and help maintain the natural flow and stability of river systems.
Landowners planning any work in or near a watercourse are being urged to contact NRW for advice before starting. Officials say a simple check can help ensure the correct permissions are in place and prevent unintended environmental damage.
Advice is available by calling 0300 065 3000 or emailing enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.
