This isn’t your everyday podcast episode. It’s the audio companion to an information panel along the River Alwen, a tributary of the River Dee in North Wales. Whether you’re listening from home or standing by the water, this short recording brings the story of river restoration to life.

Join Joel Rees-Jones, LIFE Dee River Project Manager, as he reveals the fascinating lifecycle of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel and the ambitious conservation work happening in the Afon Dyfrdwy a Llyn Tegid Special Area of Conservation. These mussels still cling to survival in the River Dee, but poor water quality and habitat loss mean no young mussels are emerging naturally - a challenge the project is determined to overcome.

To give these mussels a fighting chance, the project is using pearl mussels raised in the Natural Resources Wales hatchery, aiming to restore self-sustaining populations. The project has also removed and adapted weirs to help fish move freely, which is vital for the mussel’s lifecycle, and carried out a host of improvements to habitats and water quality. This guide also explores how deeply connected river life is in this special landscape.

In the final episode of Cyfoeth: The Natural Resources Wales Environment Podcast series on the Ceredigion Environment Team, host Llion Bevan is joined by conservation officer Emma Ivinson to explore an unusual conservation challenge—protecting habitats that have emerged from abandoned metal mines.

While these mines are a well-known source of pollution, leaching toxic heavy metals into rivers and impacting ecosystems, they have also become home to some of the rarest and most specialised species in the UK. Emma explains how certain lichens, mosses, and plants—some found nowhere else in the world—have adapted to these extreme conditions, making old mining sites vital for conservation.

The conversation also delves into the legacy of metal mining in Wales, the threats these sites pose to water quality, and how the Wales Metal Mines Programme is working to reduce pollution while preserving the ecological and historical value of these landscapes. Cwmystwyth Mine, a site of both European conservation significance and industrial heritage, serves as a key case study, with efforts underway to clean its waters while safeguarding its rare species.

Balancing conservation, pollution mitigation, and heritage preservation is no easy task, but this episode highlights how NRW is navigating these complexities. If you’re curious about the surprising ways nature can reclaim human-altered landscapes—or how history and ecology intertwine—this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Cyfoeth: The Natural Resources Wales Environment Podcast, host Llion continues the series on the Ceredigion Environment Team with an exploration of Rhos Pastures, a fascinating yet endangered habitat that is bursting with rare plant and invertebrate species. Joining Llion is a conservation officer in the team, Emma Ivinson, who sheds light on the critical work being done to conserve these biodiversity hotspots.

Emma introduces us to Rhos Pastures, highlighting their rich species diversity, including the threatened Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Once common, this iconic butterfly has suffered dramatic declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Discover how Rhos Pastures serve as crucial lifelines for these butterflies and host a stunning variety of plants, including orchids and Devil’s-bit Scabious, alongside a myriad of insects.

The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Rhos Pastures, including the impact of agricultural changes that have led to a 97% loss of semi-natural grasslands since the 1930s. Emma explains how NRW works with landowners to manage these habitats through tailored grazing practices, scrub control, and conservation-friendly funding agreements.

The episode also explores the threats posed by climate change, which disrupts the delicate balance of species that rely on Rhos Pastures. With insights from recent surveys, Emma highlights both successes and setbacks in efforts to protect the Marsh Fritillary, underscoring the importance of long-term habitat connectivity and resilience.

This episode offers a compelling look at how conservation efforts are making a difference, even against the backdrop of significant challenges. Tune in to learn how NRW is safeguarding this vital habitat and its inhabitants, and be inspired by Emma’s passion for the natural beauty of Wales. Don’t miss this insightful and uplifting journey into the heart of Ceredigion’s wild landscapes.