Paul Matthews

Organic beef and sheep hill farm: Aberhyddnant, Crai

Paul and his family have been on the farm since 1983, starting as commercial farmers and transitioning to organic farming in 1999. The principle is to let the farm produce what it naturally produces and to only let the stock eat the grass grown on the farm.

Working with the Wye and Usk Foundation, Paul and his family set out to better understand the benefits of thie divers flower meadow, and to help repair numerous field ponds across the farm.

Field Ponds

Organic beef and sheep hill farm: Aberhyddnant, Crai

When the family moved to the farm, they created ponds to rely solely on natural water sources, meaning there are no troughs in the fields.

Under CaSTCo, the Wye and Usk Foundation collaborated with Paul to reconstruct three of the original seven ponds, which were losing their dam walls. They ensured that access to drinking water was available on one side, with the dam walls opposite, fenced off from livestock.

Diverse meadow

Paul joined the Tir Gofal scheme in 1999, designating his field as a Lapwing Conservation area, which would become the site for CaSTCo infiltration testing. This scheme saw the field bloom yellow rattle, wild red clover, plantain and 30 other species of herbs and flowers, creating an extremely biodiverse field.

With the help of the Wye and Usk Foundation and CaSTCo, Paul and his family sought to understand how to replicate this approach across the entire farm.

Using infiltration testing, Wye and Usk monitored the field to understand the forage cover, root structure and infiltration levels. They discovered that platain accounted for 60% of forage cover in the meadow and that the infiltration of the area was bhelpd by root structure. Additionally, the soil was “alive”, which can take about 7 years to achieve in a conventional farming system.

Ultimately, the soil fauna and flora, microbiones, fungus and mycorrhizal worked together in the field to create healthy plants, healthy soil and good infiltration.

Gareth Williams

Areas monitored: Pill Brook, Olway Brook, Clawdd Brook, Ffwd Brook, Ochram Brook, Gavenny River

” When I first retired, I was looking after my mum 24/7; she’s now in a home, and I found myself with time on my hands. Initially, I just went fishing, but there is only so much fishing you can do! I realised I needed something worthwhile to do, and researched soup kitchens and other volunteering but I then saw the Citizen Science opportunity with Gwent Wildlife Trust, a partner of Wye and Usk. I’ve been with them for a year now – I have a real affinity with wildlife and nature, so this really appeals. 

I test six sites, which could take a whole day and a 40-mile round trip, but I break it down over 2 days and do some on my way to shopping or to see mum. 

I really enjoy being a Citizen Scientist. I’ve learnt a lot about the river and I feel a great sense of purpose.” 

Nicola and Tony Boggust

Area studies: Ewan Brook and Rhiangoll

Tony: “We have lived here for over 20 years and when we first came there were lots of fish and insects in the river. 

We’ve noticed the decline and there are no longer fish in this river. We used to come out at night with a torch, and watch the fish fluttering about but we don’t see that anymore. We’ve also seen a decline in insects, especially the dragonflies and damselflies. This led us to ask, ‘What’s happening? Why is there a decline in the insect and fish life in the river?’

That’s why we joined the Castco Citizen Science programme, so we can help learn more and help gather data to answer those questions.”

Nicola: ” “I felt quite angry that the rivers were losing their quality. I’d heard what government officials were saying but they didn’t seem to have enough evidence to why the rivers were losing their quality. I felt that becoming a citizen scientist could help get that evidence.”

Jacqui King

Areas monitored: River Usk

“I’ve lived here for 20 years, and I can see the river changing.

I feel that people aren’t realizing why it’s changing, so it was interesting to hear that Gwent Wildlife was advertising for volunteers to help monitor the river. They explained precisely what the volunteering would entail to test water quality.

I’ve noticed that the fishing is changing. I’m not a fisherman, I’m a Fisherman’s wife. There are plenty of trout, but no salmon. In fact, people haven’t caught salmon now for over a year, and you want to try to explain why. It’s interesting to know that we can obtain information about the water quality. 

Hopefully, our work will demonstrate that there’s a problem with the quality of the water, and the evidence is there to inspire action. I’m very lucky to be able to spend the time doing it. It’s actually quite interesting because you feel you’re being a scientist – you’re doing quite meticulous testing. Plus, it’s a pleasant environment to sit and enjoy every week, watching the wildlife.”

Kate Norris

River Monitored: River Usk

“Not everyone has an hour a week, but if you do, I think it’s quite nice to be part of the bigger picture.

Personally, I’m interested in knowing what’s going on with the river, why the decline is happening, and what individuals can do about it. There are quite a few citizen scientists now, which is really great and I enjoy coming out with Jacqui to test together. 

We have encountered some skepticism about the accuracy of our data. However, I think it’s becoming widely known now that the data is fairly accurate. The Water Blitzes, we’ve taken part in all 3 of them, have helped to establish this, and it’s nice to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

Tim Henson

Areas monitored: Honddu and AfronTarrell

“I’ve conducted approximately 130 tests since joining the CaSTCo citizen science programme.

I test two sites, and I like to think I have a good grasp of what is going on with the river. If what I am doing on my two sites is replicated across the whole Usk catchment, we are providing really good data to work from. 

Why do I do it? I enjoy being outside, and it’s a great excuse to walk up here once a week. I am interested in the state of our rivers and the quality of the water, and if there is anything I can do to help improve it, then it’s a good thing.

The Castco Citizen Science programme has given a really good picture of the Usk Catchment, and I think it will allow the bright people to see where the pinch points and Issues with the water are, and they can address them.”