Louise Bodnar invited attendees to reflect on the importance of water and acknowledged the River Wye and other water sources.

To receive apologies for absence and to note any substitutes.

Apologies for absence were noted from board members: Simon Evans (The Wye and Usk Foundation); Gordon Green (Wye Salmon Association); Georgie Hyde (National Farmers’ Union); and Pat Stirling (Friends of the Upper Wye).

Apologies were also noted from Alastair Chapman (Forest of Dean District Council) and Martin Quine (Environment Agency).

The Chairperson welcomed Adam Taylor as the new voting member for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, succeeding Liz Bickerton.

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 29 April 2026.

The notes of the previous meeting held on 29 April 2026 were agreed.

To receive any written questions.

Attention was drawn to a question received from Alison Caffyn, published in advance of the meeting, Questions from members of the public, as at 2 July 2026.

Given the range of matters raised, Gemma Dando advised that a written response would be provided directly to the questioner and would be published.

To receive a presentation covering the following Natural England documents:

i.     River Lugg SSSI Condition Assessment (2026)

ii.    Landowner Summary Note - Update on the Condition of the River Lugg SSSI

iii.   Landowner Infographic – Go With The Flow, Improving SSSI river condition

[Claire Minett, with Daisy Burris and Gertruda Zieniute, Natural England; 40 minutes]

Claire Minett introduced the River Lugg SSSI Condition Assessment (2026), with Daisy Burris and Gertruda Zieniute presenting the findings; the presentation had been delivered at an event for landowners the previous week.  The assessment concerned the River Lugg Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and was the first full condition assessment since 2010.  The overall condition was assessed as Unfavourable - Declining.

The assessment considered four components: hydrology, water quality, physical habitat and biological assemblages.  A detailed visual walkthrough was provided of the four SSSI units.

Unit 4: Presteigne to Aymestrey

i.             In the upper assessment unit, many sections were described as pristine and relatively unmodified, with good habitat diversity and natural channels, and floodplain connectivity; with tree cover and large woody debris, and erosion and deposition, forming significant components.  The plant community was diverse but some areas had higher than expected algae cover, and there were pressures from arable agriculture.

ii.            Flows, large woody debris, siltation, and habitat were considered to be favourable.  Water quality, in-channel structures (such as weirs), and invasive species were unfavourable.

Unit 3: Aymestrey to Eyton

iii.          This section also had good habitat diversity, floodplain connectivity, and tree cover, but became more affected by siltation.  The plant community had high ecological status in the upper part but poor ecological status downstream.  There were significant pressures in terms of in-channel structures, collapsing field drains, and poaching from livestock.

iv.          Flows, large woody debris, and habitat were considered to be favourable.  Water quality, in-channel structures, invasive species, bank vegetation, and siltation were unfavourable.

Unit 2: Eyton to Hope-under-Dinmore

v.           This section had significant variability, with some areas predominantly unmodified and natural, and others significantly modified.  An overview was provided of historic river channel and land modifications which impacted negatively on flows, siltation and habitat.  The floodplain was largely disconnected from the river, with embankments preventing the natural movement of floodwater.  The plant community had poor ecological status.

vi.          Flows and large woody debris were considered to be favourable.  Water quality, in-channel structures, invasive species, plant community, habitat modification, bank vegetation, and siltation were unfavourable.

Unit 1: Hope-under-Dinmore to Wye confluence

vii.         In the lower assessment unit, there was again significant variability in terms of physical habitat, with some significant historic modifications, including reaches that had been straightened and embanked, resulting in disconnection.  There were areas with limited biodiversity and heavy poaching activity.  The plant community had moderate ecological status.

viii.       Flows and large woody debris were considered to be favourable; there was only one weir with a fish pass.  Water quality, invasive species, plant community, habitat modification, and siltation were unfavourable.

It was reported that phosphorus remained a sustained catchment-wide pressure; reference was made to the source apportionment modelling in the Diffuse Water Pollution Plan (DWPP) which identified that 81% originated from rural diffuse sources, with 14% from point sources (sewage treatment).  It was also reported that historic plant records and the 2025 surveys indicated a marked increase in filamentous algae cover, with the caveat that historic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To receive an update on the review.

[Claire Minett, Natural England; 5 minutes]

The written update from Natural England, Reviewing a Nitrogen Target for the River Wye and Lugg SSSIs update for NMB June 2026, published in Supplement 1 was received.  It was noted that Natural England would undertake an evidence review, with input from the Environment Agency, to consider the potential role of nitrogen in the current condition of the Wye and Lugg and whether nitrogen levels were limiting achievement of favourable condition.

To receive an update on the recent Ofwat investigation (and how it relates to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water assets in the catchment).

[Dan Humphreys, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water; 10 minutes]

Daniel Humphreys updated the board on Ofwat’s investigation into the management and performance of wastewater treatment works and sewerage networks in England and Wales, and provided an overview of the assets, measures and data considered in relation to D?r Cymru Welsh Water.

It was reported that the investigation identified a number of compliance shortcomings, with remedial work underway or already completed.  The company had put forward a £44.7m redress package which had been accepted by Ofwat in June 2026.  This included: £40.6m to accelerate improvements to storm overflows, none of which were in the Wye or Lugg catchment; £2m for river restoration activity; £1m for a misconnection task force; and £1m for a community and nature fund.  The relevant programmes were being developed for delivery by 2030.

In response to questions from Councillor McDermid about the treatment of emerging contaminants, Daniel Humphreys explained that many treatment works were not designed to remove substances such as persistent chemicals and that sector-wide research was continuing.  It was noted that preventing pollutants entering the system at source was preferable to relying on treatment downstream.  Councillor Charlton commented on the importance of producer responsibility for preventing and mitigating environmental impacts.  The Chairperson noted that issues directly related to nutrients and sediment could be considered by the board, with wider emerging contaminant issues more appropriately considered through the Wye Catchment Partnership.

Update on progress to date and next steps.

[Gemma Dando, Herefordshire Council; 10 minutes]

The written update, agenda pages 169–172, was taken as read.

Update on progress with the review.

[Gemma Dando, Herefordshire Council; 10 minutes]

The review item was deferred until the next meeting.

The following Environment Agency updates are highlighted for information:

·             River Wye Data Analysis Report (2025) available through River Wye Water Quality | Engage Environment Agency (link)

·             High-level findings of Project TARA (to follow)

[Note: Due to the rescheduling of this meeting, Martin Quine (Environment Agency) is unable to attend on this occasion]

The Environment Agency updates, published in Supplement 1, were acknowledged.  In view of Martin Quine’s absence and the technical nature of the River Wye Data Analysis Report (2025) and the high-level findings from Project TARA, it was suggested that a separate briefing could be arranged.

[Note: A briefing for board members was held on Friday 14 August 2026.  Discussions included the need for effective interventions, verifiable agricultural nutrient reductions, clearer accountability for manure transported into and out of the county, and coordinated action to help lift development restrictions.]

To receive updates on activity from members of the Wye Catchment Nutrient Management Board.

[Board members and other participants; 5 minutes]

The Chairperson reported that The Charter for the River Wye had been launched and was attracting interest from other catchments and groups wishing to pursue similar approaches.

There was a brief discussion about how the Charter could be embedded in the work of local authorities and partner organisations, including raising awareness among councillors, officers and other stakeholders.

The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday 7 October 2026, 2.00 pm.

The agenda for the October meeting is likely to include an update on the Wye Catchment Living Labs Programme from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

The date of the next meeting was noted, as follows:

Wednesday 7 October 2026, 2.00 pm (link to meeting page)