Coming together for the Conwy: Anglers and NRW unite for river health

Despite the soggy November evening, the Betws-y-Coed Memorial Hall buzzed with conversation and shared purpose. Our staff and members from local angling clubs gathered under one roof, united by a common goal: to protect and restore the Conwy catchment.

This meeting, held on Tuesday 18 November, was an extension of the Llifo Conwy initiative – a collaborative approach, working around climate, nature, people and cultural themes to improve the health of the river and its wider catchment . It wasn’t just a meeting; it was a chance to strengthen partnerships and spark new ideas.

Who was in the room?

We joined forces with angling clubs including Dolgarrog, Plas Madoc, Llanrwst, Betws-y-Coed, Dolwyddelan, and Wirral Game. Other key stakeholders such as North Wales Rivers Trust and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water added their voices to the discussion.

What did we talk about?

The evening featured three insightful presentations showcasing the work carried out in the catchment over the past year:

• Water quality round-up
• Juvenile Salmonid Survey Summary
• Freshwater Pearl Mussel Recovery

These updates set the stage for an open Q&A session, where angling clubs raised concerns and shared ideas on water quality, habitat restoration, and improving river assets. It was a lively, constructive dialogue – the kind that builds trust and drives action.

Why does this matter?

Healthy rivers don’t happen by chance. They need care, commitment, and collaboration. Events like this help us work together to tackle challenges such as declining salmon and sea trout runs, ensuring the Afon Conwy remains a thriving habitat for wildlife and a treasured resource for local communities.

Garry Davies, Chairman of Plas Madoc Fishing Association, summed it up perfectly:

“It’s been a great opportunity to talk to other bodies who are equally invested in the catchment and share the concern of the decline of the Salmon and Sea Trout runs in the river. It is hoped by closer collaboration the reasons for this can be better understood and strategies can be put in place to improve fish numbers.”

Looking ahead

The success of this event shows what’s possible when we work together. We will continue to build these partnerships, listen to local voices, and take action to protect the Conwy catchment for generations to come.