Farmers Could Clean Up Wales' Polluted Rivers and Save Millions, Study Finds
Laura Bennett
A new study reveals that farmers have a critical role in tackling pollution in one of the UK's most contaminated river systems, potentially saving money in the process. Researchers found that excess phosphorus from agricultural practices is a primary driver of the issue in Pembrokeshire's Cleddau rivers.
- Pembrokeshire's Cleddau rivers are among Wales' most polluted protected waterways, primarily due to agricultural phosphorus.
- Lancaster University research found farms in the area import significantly more phosphorus than needed, creating a 360-tonne annual surplus.
- Farmers could save an estimated £1.08 million annually by optimising the use of existing animal manure and reducing artificial fertiliser purchases.
- A major project involving hundreds of dairy farms, including First Milk's 200 West Wales suppliers, is helping farmers calculate their 'nutrient footprint' and adjust practices.
- New maps and annual reporting will guide farmers in more effective fertiliser and slurry spreading to protect waterways and improve soil health.
Around 360 tonnes of phosphorus is accumulating in Welsh farmland every year - a toxic legacy that's suffocating some of the UK's most precious waterways. Researchers at Lancaster University have pinpointed the main culprit: excessive use of artificial fertilisers by farmers in Pembrokeshire, where an estimated £1.08 million could be saved annually if they switched to more sustainable practices.
The study, funded by the Welsh government, has revealed that phosphorus levels in the eastern and western Cleddau rivers are among the highest in Wales. The rivers, designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), flow through a region where up to 25% of Wales' milk is produced.
Researchers tracked all phosphorus imports into the area via fertiliser and processed animal feed, comparing it with exports in products like milk and cheese. They found that while some farms are buying more artificial fertiliser than needed, others have enough phosphorus available in animal manures to meet crop requirements - a surplus equivalent to 26 double-decker buses.
A major initiative is now underway to tackle this issue. Hundreds of dairy farmers, including those who supply First Milk, are calculating their 'nutrient footprint' and adjusting their spreading practices to reduce pollution and save money.
Why this matters: The health of our rivers impacts everyone, from local ecosystems to drinking water quality and the agricultural sector's sustainability. This research offers a tangible pathway to address long-standing pollution issues in Wales, demonstrating that environmental protection and economic benefits for farmers can go hand-in-hand.
What this means for you: What this means for you: Cleaner rivers can improve local biodiversity and water quality, potentially impacting recreational activities and the overall health of the environment you live in. For consumers, it could signal more sustainable practices within the Welsh dairy industry.