{"id":4330,"date":"2025-09-08T14:51:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/castco.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=case-study&#038;p=4330"},"modified":"2025-09-23T17:42:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T17:42:40","slug":"wye-usk-voices","status":"publish","type":"case-study","link":"https:\/\/castco.org\/case-study\/wye-usk-voices\/","title":{"rendered":"Voices of volunteers and farmers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group block is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/wyeuskfoundation.org\/\">Wye and Usk Foundation<\/a> (WUF) is a Rivers Trust that improves the ecology, habitat and water quality of the Rivers Wye and Usk in Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of CaSTCo, WUF is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/about\/#demonstrator-catchments\">Usk catchment <\/a><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/about\/#demonstrator-catchments\" target=\"_blank\">demonstration<\/a>, focusing on four pillars of work: farm interventions, citizen science, monitoring,<\/span> and data recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building relationships with citizen scientists and farmers has been essential to the success of the WUF. Working across disciplines, expertise, and catchments, the work at WUF demonstrates the power of community in protecting rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/wyeuskfoundation.org\/our-work\/catchment-systems-thinking-cooperative-castco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover vid-player has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"502\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3806 size-large lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk-1024x502.webp\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk-1024x502.webp 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk-640x314.webp 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk-768x376.webp 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk-50x25.webp 50w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2024-wuf-the-river-usk.webp 1100w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/502;\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-primary-background-color has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"> \n<div block-main-f73bd3ac7c9b0b5fab2bd63037f593a3   class=\"block block-icons block-0 play\" id=\"block-main-f73bd3ac7c9b0b5fab2bd63037f593a3\">\n    <svg class=\"icon icon-play\" role=\"presentation\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 71.71 71.71\"><desc>play<\/desc><circle cx=\"35.86\" cy=\"35.85\" r=\"35.86\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M29.86 22.41c.63.04 1.24.27 1.74.66l16 10.99c1 .5 1.4 1.72.89 2.72-.19.38-.51.7-.89.89l-16 10.98c-.5.4-1.11.63-1.74.65-1.15 0-2.07-.94-2.07-2.09 0-.07 0-.13.01-.2v-22.3c-.12-1.14.71-2.17 1.85-2.29.07 0 .14-.01.21-.01z\"\/><\/svg>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"CaSTCo citsci profiles\" data-src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1093018437?h=c5b055a79a&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group no-margin has-bg-alt-2-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Bringing communities together for water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0c428d9 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">The Wye &amp; Usk Foundation&#8217;s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of community. In the profiles below, you&#8217;ll meet some of the volunteers and farmers conducting data monitoring and contributing their local knowledge and expertise.  Learn about their origins, inspiration, methodologies and what they&#8217;ve gained from joining the project, all in their own words.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n<div block-main-bb703a68c94267bb824d576122f00f7d   class=\"block block-image-slider block-0 block--style-full-image-width\" id=\"block-main-bb703a68c94267bb824d576122f00f7d\">\n    \n<div class=\"slider\" data-flickity='{\"autoPlay\":false,\"selectedAttraction\":0.025,\"prevNextButtons\":true,\"wrapAround\":true,\"arrowShape\":\"M59.4,63.5c-0.8-1.2-14.3-10.7,0.1-27L76,19.1L58,0l-20,21.1C19.1,41,19.4,59.4,38.5,79.4L58,100L76,80.9L59.5,63.5 c0,0,0,0-0.1-0.1L59.4,63.5z\",\"contain\":true,\"pageDots\":true,\"adaptiveHeight\":true}'>    <figure class=\"slide slide-1\">\n            <figcaption><p>Our team out in the field, testing infiltration<\/p><\/figcaption>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2.jpg\" title=\"Our team out in the field, testing infiltration\" class=\"gallery-item\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-xl size-xl lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 1420px) 1420px, 100vw\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-50x38.jpg 50w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-1600x1200.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-2560x1920.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2-3840x2880.jpg 3840w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/INFIL2.jpg 4032w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 4032px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 4032\/3024;\" \/><\/a>\n    <\/figure>    <figure class=\"slide slide-2\">\n            <figcaption><p>A volunteer testing infiltration <\/p><\/figcaption>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM.png\" title=\"A volunteer testing infiltration \" class=\"gallery-item\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-xl size-xl lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 1420px) 1420px, 100vw\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM.png 600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM-50x34.png 50w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/402;\" \/><\/a>\n    <\/figure>    <figure class=\"slide slide-3\">\n            <figcaption><\/figcaption>\n            <a href=\"\" title=\"\" class=\"gallery-item\"><\/a>\n    <\/figure>    <figure class=\"slide slide-4\">\n            <figcaption><\/figcaption>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.32-PM.png\" title=\"\" class=\"gallery-item\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"398\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.32-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-xl size-xl lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 1420px) 1420px, 100vw\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.32-PM.png 602w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.32-PM-50x33.png 50w\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 602px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 602\/398;\" \/><\/a>\n    <\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group block is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understanding Wales <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Following Brexit, there were many changes to funding, notably in terms of funding for the River Trusts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Welsh Government is allocating more funding opportunities to Welsh River trusts, including accelerator funds and other initiatives, enabling them to undertake effective environmental works. There has been limited additional support from other Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency, but further support from private investors is needed to effectively fund urgently needed environmental works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">In England, prior to 2021,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs\" target=\"_blank\">the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)<\/a>&nbsp;had funded many River Trusts and other eNGOs to carry out environmental goods.<\/span> English River Trusts now rely heavily on the Water Restoration Funds (fines against water companies) which they can bid into, National Lottery, Water Company funding and OFWAT innovation funds, along with social and business funding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-bg-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-98885453d48ba65041849999b1388492 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group block is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The river Wye (Afon Gwy in Welsh) is the fifth longest river in the UK, flowing approximately 152 miles. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The river Usk (Afon Wysg in Welsh) rises on the northern slopes of the bralck Mountain (y Mynydd Dy) at the western edge of Brecon Beacons National Park. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1920\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3816 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1080px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1080\/1920;width:273px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1-640x1138.png 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1-1024x1820.png 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1-768x1365.png 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1-28x50.png 28w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Copy-of-Untitled-Your-Story-1-864x1536.png 864w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top has-highlight-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top has-bg-alt-2-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group block is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methodology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working closely with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwentwildlife.org\/about-us2\/projects-spotlight\/gathering-water-quality-data-river-usk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gwent River Trust<\/a> as a CaSTCo partner and<a href=\"https:\/\/stumpupfortrees.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Stump Up For Trees <\/a><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/knowledge-base\/overview-physical-habitat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Physical habitat monitoring<\/a> &#8211; hydrological flow maps and wet weather walkovers&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/knowledge-base\/guidance-soil-npk-and-ph-testing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soil sampling<\/a> \u2013 P, K, Mg, Organic matter and pH&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/knowledge-base\/visual-evaluation-of-soil-structure-vess\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soil&nbsp;VESS&nbsp;Scoring<\/a> \u2013 Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/knowledge-base\/river-blitz\/\">Waterblitzes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/knowledge-base\/morph-rivers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MoRPh river testing<\/a> and infiltration testing <br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mapping the farm and ID potential Natural Flood Management (NFM) interventions&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creation of a farmer focus group, with education days, peer-to-peer learning and group meetings&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entries collected into EpiCollect: Wye Alliance Citizen Science<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/five.epicollect.net\/project\/wye-alliance-citizen-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore data on EpiCollect<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top has-primary-color has-highlight-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-41bcdde09974cda16960447b7ec2de27 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group block is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"no-margin-bottom has-large-font-size\"><strong>127<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"no-margin-top\"><strong>Sites sampling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"no-margin-bottom has-large-font-size\"><strong>111<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"no-margin-top\"><strong>Active citizen scientist<\/strong>s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"no-margin-bottom has-large-font-size\"><strong>19,500 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"no-margin-top\"><strong>Entries into the <a href=\"https:\/\/five.epicollect.net\/project\/wye-alliance-citizen-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EpiCollect<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover holding-page-header\" style=\"min-height:150px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-24 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2.png 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-640x360.png 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1280x720.png 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1600x900.png 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-44dd404a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Learning from farmers <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paul Matthews<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organic beef and sheep hill farm:<\/strong> Aberhyddnant, Crai<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Wye and Usk   Farmer Talk (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/fhb6seeUwcs?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:63px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"402\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4001 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/402;width:483px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM.png 600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screen-Shot-2025-06-23-at-1.24.40-PM-50x34.png 50w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Field Ponds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organic beef and sheep hill farm:<\/strong> Aberhyddnant, Crai<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:63px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diverse meadow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8220;alive&#8221;, which can take about 7 years to achieve in a conventional farming system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the soil fauna and flora, microbiones, fungus and mycorrhizal worked together in the field to create healthy plants, healthy soil and good infiltration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Wye and Usk   CRAI (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/plvIbK4spcE?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light add-cover-padding\" style=\"min-height:500px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-99 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/section-bkground-2.png\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/999;object-position:50% 100%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 100%\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#fafef1\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns block is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-circle-frame\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4032\" height=\"3024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3884 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER.jpg 4032w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-50x38.jpg 50w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-1600x1200.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-2560x1920.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/FARMER-3840x2880.jpg 3840w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 4032px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 4032\/3024;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-bg-alt-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2d1c4a4077bad15a2ead5e494718732b\">Benefits of CaSTCo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By being a part of CaSTCo, Paul&#8217;s farm was provided many opportunities: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sharing Paul&#8217;s knowledge with the CaSTCo and Wye and Usk teams and creating a lasting relationship <br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working with the Usk Demo team to install interventions<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trial reseeds and liming<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attending the Weatherproof Farming training with Niels Corfield<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conducting infiltration tests<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joining the farmer focus group working on development of the Usk Catchment Market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover holding-page-header\" style=\"min-height:150px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-24 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2.png\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2.png 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-640x360.png 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1280x720.png 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/header-background-2-1600x900.png 1600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-44dd404a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\">Meet the volunteers <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gareth Williams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Areas monitored:<\/strong> Pill Brook, Olway Brook, Clawdd Brook, Ffwd Brook, Ochram Brook, Gavenny River<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8221; When I first retired, I was looking after my mum 24\/7; she\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwentwildlife.org\/about-us2\/projects-spotlight\/gathering-water-quality-data-river-usk\">Gwent Wildlife Trust<\/a>, a partner of Wye and Usk. I\u2019ve been with them for a year now &#8211; I have a real affinity with wildlife and nature, so this really appeals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I really enjoy being a Citizen Scientist. I\u2019ve learnt a lot about the river and I feel a great sense of purpose.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Gareth Williams (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/wpUUtDET_4c?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-style-reverse-stack is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kath Roberts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Area monitored: <\/strong>Afon Tarrell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I spend lots of time outdoors, and especially walking along this stretch of river, and it&#8217;s really interesting to understand what is happening with the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that I am a Citizen Scientist for the Castco project, I am paying more attention to the river as I walk alongside it, see what is going on and what I can see.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Citizen science sampling has been really interesting, and I enjoy meeting up as a group to find out what they are finding and seeing on their patches!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is great I am able to provide evidence&nbsp;and information, as we hear so much&nbsp;more about rivers and health, but we do&nbsp;need measurements and to data to back&nbsp;up that information to see how it varies&nbsp;over the course the Usk. I feel proud&nbsp;that the data I collect is helping answer&nbsp;the questions being asked and is being&nbsp;used to supplement the other&nbsp;information that is out there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Kath (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/N4Drwyyrs3c?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nicola and Tony Boggust <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Area studies:<\/strong> Ewan Brook and Rhiangoll<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tony<\/strong>: &#8220;We have lived here for over 20 years&nbsp;and when we first came there were lots of fish and insects in the river.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve 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\u2019t see that anymore. We&#8217;ve also seen a decline in insects, especially the dragonflies and damselflies. This led us to ask, \u2018What\u2019s happening? Why is there a decline in the insect and fish life in the river?&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why we joined the Castco Citizen Science programme, so we can help learn more and help gather data to answer those questions.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nicola: <\/strong>&#8221; &#8220;I felt quite angry that the rivers&nbsp;were losing their quality. I&#8217;d heard what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/new-multi-million-pound-action-plan-launched-to-protect-the-river-wye\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">government officials<\/a> were saying&nbsp;but they didn\u2019t seem to have enough&nbsp;evidence to why the rivers were losing&nbsp;their quality. I felt that becoming a&nbsp;citizen scientist could help get that&nbsp;evidence.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Nicola and Tony Boggust (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/_mRwQLa_G9I?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Jacqui King (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/LgTPgVkBgCw?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jacqui King<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Areas monitored:<\/strong> River Usk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve lived here for 20 years, and I can&nbsp;see the river changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel that&nbsp;people aren&#8217;t realizing why it&#8217;s&nbsp;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. <br><br>I&#8217;ve noticed that the fishing is changing. I&#8217;m not a fisherman, I\u2019m a Fisherman&#8217;s wife. There are plenty of trout, but no salmon. In fact, people haven&#8217;t caught salmon now for over a year, and you want to try to explain why. It&#8217;s interesting to know that we can obtain information about the water quality.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, our work will demonstrate that there&#8217;s&nbsp;a problem with the quality of the water,&nbsp;and the evidence is there to inspire action. I\u2019m very&nbsp;lucky to be able to spend the time&nbsp;doing it. It&#8217;s actually quite interesting&nbsp;because you feel you&#8217;re being a&nbsp;scientist &#8211; you&#8217;re doing quite meticulous&nbsp;testing. Plus, it&#8217;s a pleasant environment to sit and enjoy every week, watching the wildlife.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kate Norris<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>River Monitored:<\/strong> River Usk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Not everyone has an hour a week, but if you do, I think it&#8217;s quite nice to be part of the bigger picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, I&#8217;m interested in knowing what&#8217;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have encountered some skepticism about the accuracy of our data. However, I think it&#8217;s becoming widely known now that the data is fairly accurate. The Water Blitzes,&nbsp;we\u2019ve taken part in all 3 of them, have helped to establish this, and&nbsp;it&#8217;s nice to be part of something bigger than yourself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Kate Norris (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/SQJ-IOqM6po?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-container\"><iframe title=\"Tim Henson (CaSTCo)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kI90Mf9kq_Y?feature=oembed&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tim Henson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Areas monitored: <\/strong>Honddu and AfronTarrell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve conducted approximately 130 tests since joining the CaSTCo citizen science programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do I do it? I enjoy being outside, and it&#8217;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\u2019s a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Castco Citizen Science programme has&nbsp;given a really good picture of the Usk&nbsp;Catchment, and I think it will allow the bright people to see where the pinch points and&nbsp;Issues with the water are, and they can&nbsp;address them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns block is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-circle-frame\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"5208\" height=\"3476\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3888 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge.jpg 5208w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-640x427.jpg 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-1600x1068.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-1920x1281.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-2560x1709.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/wufgwtbridge-3840x2563.jpg 3840w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 5208px) 100vw, 5208px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 5208px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 5208\/3476;\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-bg-alt-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28505fdf983d9133821614632f61bf6d\"><strong>Lessons learned <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Relationships are critical:<\/strong> For action in the Wye and Usk, relationships have been built between citizen scientists, academics, farmers and local communities. This has overcome mistrust and inspired collaboration on new techniques, while also encouraging more volunteers to help protect and interact with their local environments. <br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><strong>Overcoming skepticism:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/span>The data collected by citizen scienctists continues to face skepticism from academic and formal scientific communities. To overcome this, the use of Waterblitzes and working directly with the University of Cardiff and the Environment Agency has helped promote the accuracy of data collection and enhance the work of volunteers. <br><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community building:<\/strong> Both volunteers and farmers recognize that joining WUF has provided a greater sense of community and more pride over their local catchments. With the help of CaSTCo, multiple opportunities are presented, including those to share local knowledge, connect across disciplines and learn new monitoring techniques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover is-light\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3088\" height=\"2320\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3877 size-full lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1.jpg 3088w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-640x481.jpg 640w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-50x38.jpg 50w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-2048x1539.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-1280x962.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-1600x1202.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-1920x1442.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/castco.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sian-Mercer-Bio-Pic-1-1-2560x1923.jpg 2560w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 3088px) 100vw, 3088px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 3088px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 3088\/2320;\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#707664\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-bg-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f41bd08fde3d12a06c4391e07b918c29 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote block is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWorking with CaSTCo has been essential in allowing our the Usk and Wye demo to learn and utilzie new monitoring methods and platforms, while also allowing us to conenct with other trusts across the UK. The comraderie built between fellow CaSTCo participants has helpd to inspire condience, overcome relationship chalelnges, and crate an environment for sharing between disciplines, communities and organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sian Mercer, Specials Project Manager&nbsp;, Wye and Usk Foundation <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-no-margin has-bg-alt-2-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left is-style-no-margin-bottom\">Supporting <strong>material<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wyeuskfoundation.org\/our-work\/catchment-systems-thinking-cooperative-castco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wye and Usk Foundation: CaSTCo Project<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/wyeuskfoundation.org\/news\/castco-mini-reports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2024 &#8211; 2025 CaSTCo mini reports <\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/castco.org\/case-study\/river-usk-farm-interventions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">River Usk catchment &#8211; farm interventions <\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/app\/profile\/wyeusk\/viz\/UskViz\/START\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wye and Usk visualisations <\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/app\/profile\/wyeusk\/viz\/UskSonde\/START?publish=yes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UskSonde visualisations<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/atkinsgeospatial.maps.arcgis.com\/apps\/dashboards\/0add451db5df40ab8685008b789351b6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Usk nutrient management plan <\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In the media <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c30m64ge8g9o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Governments to Investigate River Wye Pollution BBC <\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardiff.ac.uk\/news\/view\/2838819-focus-on-phosphate-not-a-silver-bullet-for-river-wyes-water-quality-problems,-report-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cardiff University report for the River Wye and Usk Foundation<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF) is a Rivers Trust that improves the ecology, habitat and water quality of the Rivers Wye and Usk in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3348,"template":"","case_study_tag":[59,57,56,58,60,61],"class_list":["post-4330","case-study","type-case-study","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","case_study_tag-citizen-science","case_study_tag-farm-interventions","case_study_tag-farming","case_study_tag-testimonials","case_study_tag-wales","case_study_tag-wye-and-usk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - 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