About the project
Nyfer am Byth was born out of a desire to protect, restore, and celebrate the Afon Nyfer (River Nevern) and its surrounding landscape for current and future generations. Building on the foundations of the previous CLEAN water quality sampling project, Nyfer am Byth continues the mission with a renewed focus on community engagement and sustainable catchment management.
From CLEAN to Nyfer am Byth: Building a Sustainable Future
The CLEAN project highlighted the challenges facing the Afon Nyfer and its surrounding habitats, as well as the importance of the river for both wildlife and local livelihoods. CLEAN worked to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and engage communities in conservation activities. Through CLEAN, we learned that to create lasting change, we need to go further than ecological interventions; we need to work directly with the people who live and work in the catchment area.
Nyfer am Byth builds on these lessons, recognizing that effective and sustainable management of the river requires active collaboration between all members of the community. This project seeks to empower the people of the Afon Nyfer catchment area to shape the future of the area and contribute their unique knowledge and skills to protecting this vital resource for people and nature.
About the river
The river starts north of Crymych on the Frenni Fawr and flows about 11 miles (18 km) to its estuary in Trefdraeth / Newport, Pembrokeshire.
The Afon Nyfer (River Nevern) is one of Pembrokeshire’s hidden treasures — a short but remarkable river flowing just 11 miles from its source in the Preseli Hills near Crymych to its estuary in Newport. It winds through upland farms, woodlands, and historic landscapes, eventually reaching the sea at Newport Bay. Along its route, it is joined by tributaries like the Brynberian, Clun-maen, and Nant Hafren, carving a rich and varied landscape filled with wildlife, stories, and deep cultural roots.
To those who live, work or play here, the Nyfer is much more than a river. It provides livelihoods, places for recreation and reflection, and a strong sense of identity. It flows through ancient woodlands and past heritage sites, through communities where Welsh language and traditions remain central to everyday life.
A River at Risk
Despite its beauty and importance, the Afon Nyfer is under pressure. Like many rivers in Wales, it has experienced a significant decline in ecological health over the last two decades. Pollution from agricultural run-off, storm overflows, sewage, and land use pressures have resulted in:
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Rising nutrient levels, especially nitrates and phosphates
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Declining fish numbers and biodiversity
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Only one tributary (the Brynberian) consistently rated as in 'Good' ecological condition
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Poor water quality at the estuary, impacting bathing waters at Newport beach
Most of the river and its tributaries are now rated as ‘Moderate’ or ‘Poor’ under the Water Framework Directive. The estuary itself has been classified as ‘Poor’ to ‘Bad’ due to high dissolved nitrogen levels, largely attributed to diffuse agricultural pollution.
Unlike some neighbouring rivers, the Nyfer has no Special Area of Conservation status and has historically been overlooked in national-level river basin planning.
Why River Health Matters
The health of a river affects everything it touches — from the wildlife it supports to the food we grow, the water we drink, and the beaches we swim from. Poor water quality undermines:
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Local tourism and recreation
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Biodiversity and natural habitats
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Farming sustainability
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Public health and wellbeing
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Climate resilience and flood management
The Nyfer’s condition also directly influences bathing water quality within Newport Bay — a designated Bathing Water site that plays a key role in the local economy and community wellbeing.
