At the end of November 2025, Herefordshire Council's third annual Rivers Conference brought together farmers, land owners, environmental groups and industry experts to look at innovative new solutions to help protect and restore the River Wye and tributaries.

The conference covered projects underway on Wye tributaries the rivers Arrow, Lugg and Frome, findings from key national research, and progress with local pilots. A packed audience heard from speakers including farmers across Herefordshire highlighting projects including:

• The Mowley Valley habitat restoration and creation scheme on the river Arrow
• Farm management solutions to improve river health
• Mineral gypsum's role in improving soil conditions, reducing run off, and preventing phosphates losses
• Biochar's role as a novel treatment to retain nutrients in the soil and improve water quality
• An integrated farm management approach at Little Froome Farm, Bromyard
• The large-scale Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project, already involving around 50 farms

To find out more and watch the conference videos, please visit Herefordshire Council Annual Rivers Conference - Herefordshire Council