03 Dec 2018

The Welsh Assembly is introducing new regulations covering the whole of Wales to protect water quality from agricultural pollution. The regulations will come into force in January 2020 with transitional periods for some elements to allow farmers time to adapt and ensure compliance. The regulations will include the following measures: nutrient management planning sustainable fertiliser […]

20 Nov 2018

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) will become mandatory for new property developments in Wales from next year, following regulations introduced by the Welsh Government. As part of the regulations, ‘SuDS Approving Bodies’ or ‘SABs’ will be set up within every local authority to approve drainage plans. The SAB or local planning authorities will have powers to […]

20 Nov 2018

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has been awarded almost £1 million by Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme to expand its successful PestSmart project which promotes the safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides. PestSmart is a Welsh Water initiative which encourages people to consider a ‘smarter’, more sustainable approach to weed, pest and disease control that […]

12 Nov 2018

Welsh Assembly Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has set out Wales’ ambition to become a leading country in the development of marine energy.   The Minster gave the keynote speech at the Ocean Energy Europe conference and exhibition which took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, where the Welsh Government hosted a trade stand and 16 […]

16 Oct 2018

Parts of Wales saw the “worst flooding in 30 years” as a result of Storm Callum at the weekend. Among the images captured was a waterfall being blown backwards on Skye. This tweet highlights some of the “astonishing stats coming from the flooding along the river Teifi”, including a peak flow of nearly 600 cubic […]

08 Aug 2018

Forty-year study shows loss of invertebrates, with repercussions for larger animals Guardian Steven Morris: ‘One of the longest-running studies of streams in the world – the minute study of 14 brooks that tumble through a remote Welsh mountain landscape – has exposed a troubling loss of riverine wildlife. Ecologists working on the Llyn Brianne Observatory project in […]

10 Jul 2018

People often think getting legislation passed is the big step. Government’s blocking of SuDS at the behest of the housing industry shows that lobbies can still exert a powerful effect. At least the Welsh have come to their senses. Susdrain Blog Following consultations in 2017, the Welsh Minister for Environment has now signed the Commencement […]

21 Feb 2018

The Welsh Government wants all new developments to incorporate effective sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) – and views them as key to reducing flood risk. The Welsh Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, has highlighted how Wales is moving towards more sustainable methods of dealing with rainwater which reduce the risk of flooding and protect water quality. […]