Natural Resources Wales plans to place boulders along sections of the River Wye in an effort to restore wildlife habitats and improve the health of one of Wales’ most important rivers.

The scheme, led by Natural Resources Wales is presently focused on sections of the River Wye at Llangurig where boulders were once a natural feature of the River Wye in the Llangurig area, but many have been removed from the river over time for various reasons and are now being replaced as part of a major restoration programme aimed at returning the river to a more natural state.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says the project will help recreate features that would naturally occur within a healthy river. The boulders will alter the flow of the water, creating a mixture of fast-flowing and slower areas, while also helping to form pools and riffles.

The changes are expected to benefit a wide range of wildlife, particularly fish such as Atlantic salmon and trout. The stones can provide shelter for young fish from strong currents, while the movement of water around them can help create suitable gravel beds for spawning.

The River Wye is recognised as an important habitat for wildlife and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. However, concerns about declining fish numbers, pollution, excessive sediment and damage to river habitats have increased pressure for action to restore the river.

NRW believes that putting boulders back into the river could help reverse some of the damage caused by the removal of natural river features in the past.

The boulders are not simply being placed randomly. Their size and position have to be carefully considered to ensure they work with the natural flow of the river. Engineers and environmental specialists also need to consider the possible effects on surrounding land, flooding and areas upstream and downstream.

Supporters of the scheme say that allowing the river to develop a more varied channel could create better conditions for aquatic insects and fish. In turn, this could provide benefits for birds, otters and other animals that depend on the river ecosystem.

Monitoring will be an important part of the project. Surveys of fish and river habitats will help determine whether the restoration work is producing the expected results. Officials will be able to compare conditions before and after the boulders are introduced.

The scheme forms part of a much wider effort to improve the River Wye. NRW has stressed that restoring the river will require action throughout the catchment rather than relying on a single project.

Other measures include improving riverbanks, creating buffer zones, tackling excessive sediment and nutrients, controlling invasive species and working with farmers, landowners and local communities.

Environmental campaigners have welcomed efforts to improve the condition of the Wye, although some argue that much more needs to be done to tackle the underlying causes of the river’s problems.

The restoration forms part of NRW’s wider Upper Wye Catchment Restoration Project, which aims to address pressures affecting the River Wye Special Area of Conservation.