Llanfyllin, Llanfechain and surrounding communities of the Cain Valley in Mid Wales are embracing a new initiative to raise awareness about their local river, the Afon Cain. To help celebrate the project local children are helping to hatch Atlantic Salmon in the Llanfyllin community centre.
The Afon Cain is one of six catchments in Wales chosen by the Environment Agency as part of a new project. The project, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, aims to raise awareness and reduce the effects of diffuse pollution.
Richard Dearing, Cain Valley Catchment Coordinator with the Environment Agency said “Diffuse pollution is caused by many small or scattered sources. Each source might be individually minor, but collectively they can have an impact on the environment. Construction, forestry, roads, farming, or private sewage treatment are just a few examples of where diffuse pollution can originate from”.
The Afon Cain and its tributaries are important for all sorts of wildlife ranging from bugs and insects, to the salmon and otter, but environmental monitoring has shown that the water quality and ecology are not as good as they should be.
To help celebrate the Afon Cain and the river project, Atlantic Salmon are being hatched in the Llanfyllin community centre. With the help of Arts Connection local children will look after the salmon fry and learn about the local environment and the fascinating salmon lifecycle. The salmon will then be released into the Afon Cain in spring. After 18 months or so the salmon will begin a journey which may take them as far as Greenland before returning to the Afon Cain to spawn.
Sian Walters from Arts Connection said, “We are delighted to be working with the Environment Agency on such a unique initiative and are planning a number of community arts projects throughout the spring and summer. These will help celebrate the salmon and the importance of the river environment. The salmon eggs are already capturing the imagination of the children we work with here at the community centre. If you would like to see the eggs developing please feel free to drop by.”
Richard Dearing went on to say, “The Environment Agency is committed to working with the local community and businesses to create a healthier environment for all. I very much appreciate the spirit of co-operation engendered between Arts Connection, the local community and ourselves. Free guidance is available to any resident or landowner in the valley regarding what measures can be taken to reduce diffuse pollution. This includes advice on private sewage treatment, and subject to availability free soil tests and nutrient management planning guidance for farmers."
