THE NORTH Wales Rivers Trust is excited to announce the launch of its second floating wetland at Llyn Penrhyn, Anglesey on the week commencing 28th October 2024.
This pilot project is aimed at tackling the increasing issue of nutrient pollution in Welsh lakes. This three-year study will evaluate the effectiveness of floating wetlands as a secondary measure to combat eutrophication—a leading cause of algal blooms that threaten biodiversity, recreational water use, and overall ecosystem health.
The project focuses on three lakes:
- Llyn Maelog, which combines a floating wetland with farming interventions
- Llyn Penrhyn, featuring only a floating wetland
- Llyn Coron, acting as the control lake with no interventions.
This initiative seeks to investigate the wetlands’ ability to foster biofilm growth, create habitats for zooplankton (which consume plankton linked to algal blooms), and measure phosphorus uptake by the wetland plants. The findings will inform future strategies to improve water quality and could serve as a model for organisations across Wales.
Key to the project’s success is the involvement of the local community. Programmes include:
- A STEAM Floating Wetland School Programme, where students grow their own wetlands and learn about their environmental benefits
- A Care Home Wetland Programme that engages residents in nurturing wetland plants, creating intergenerational connections and fostering environmental stewardship
The North Wales Rivers Trust believes that by involving the community in this research, they can raise awareness of the challenges posed by nutrient pollution and inspire local action to protect these vital ecosystems.
This project, supported by Local Nature Partnerships, is a vital step in developing nature-based solutions to address water pollution challenges and preserve Welsh lakes for future generations.
