Drainage Basins - River Wye, Wales

overview

large drainage basin, covering Wales and England

significant agricultural land use, urban areas and natural landscapes

physical characteristics

source in Welsh hills, flowing through forests, wetlands, agricultural land

basin mainly rural

catchment area influenced by highland areas, steep slopes, rapid runoff

Hereforshire etc lowland areas prone to flooding

human impact: agriculture

basin extensively used, including livestock farming - soil eroison, runoff of chemicals

human impact: urbanisation

Hereford, city along river - impermeable surfaces, increase surface runoff

human impact: conservation and protection efforts

areas of wetlands and forests designated as protected areas, preserving water quality and wildlife

reduce pollution and improve land management Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative, encouraging farmers to use less harmful practices

hydrological processes

seasonal fluctuations, higher flow rates during winter months from snowmelt from Welsh mountains

flood management

prone to seasonal flooding, Hay-on-Wye

floodplain zoning, creating flood embankments, restoring wetland areas

SuDS

implementation along course to reduce runoff, Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye

ran gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs

issues: pollution

agricultural runoff, nitrates and phosphates

sewage discharge, places with aging infrastructure leading to wastewater overflow

issue: biodiversity threats

pollution and habitat destruction threaten local species (salmon and trout), environment and fishing industry

issues: flooding risk

Monmouth and Hereford vulnerable, affecting homes agriculture and local economies

emergency flood plans - flood warning and flood relief efforts