Water Framework Directive Habitat Survey
Cynffig and Ffornwg tributaries
River Ogmore
March 2012
1
1.0
Introduction
This report is the output of a site visit and walk-over survey undertaken by Andy
Thomas of the Wild Trout Trust to the Cynffig and Ffornwg tributaries of the River
Ogmore in March 2012. The purpose of these investigations is to provide the
Environment Agency with support in identifying issues that may be implicated in WFD
failures for trout (Salmo trutta) and in identifying actions and solutions to help towards
achieving targets for Good Ecological Status (GES).
Comments in this report are based on observations on the day of the site visits and
discussions with Emma Keenan (Cynffig) and Ida Tavner (Ffornwg), from the
Environment Agency Wales.
Normal convention is applied throughout the report with respect to bank identification,
i.e. the banks are designated left hand bank (LHB) or right hand bank (RHB) whilst
looking downstream.
2.0
Catchment Overview
The waterbody which is the subject of this visit is described in the River Basin
Management Plan as ‘Ogmore , Llynfi to the tidal Ogmore’ and is Waterbody ID
GB1100580262280.
The Cynffig and Ffornwg tributaries represent two key nursery streams which are of
fundamental importance to the ecology of the waterbody as a whole and are the two
streams which EA Wales have requested be the subject of this habitat survey.
Water Framework Directive (WFD) details regarding the waterbodies and their status
are shown in the table below.
Waterbody ID
GB1100580262280
Waterbody Name
Ogmore – confluence with Llynfi to tidal Ogmore
Management Catchment
Ogmore to Tawe
River Basin District
Western Wales
Typology Description
Mid,medium siliceous
Hydromorphological Status
Not Designated A/HMWB
2
Current Ecological Quality
Good Status
Current Chemical Quality
Fail
2015 Predicted Ecological Quality
Good Status
2015 Predicted Chemical Quality
Fail
Overall Risk
At risk
Protected Area
Yes
Number of Measures Listed
(waterbody level only)
1
Currently the water body as a whole is achieving good status but concerns over the
chemical status threatens to derail efforts to ensure the river meets WFD targets for
2015.
Information supplied by the local Environment Agency suggests that the Ffornwg
tributary in particular is performing poorly for trout and that both streams should be
capable of sustaining high quality spawning and nursery habitat for trout and perhaps
salmon (Salmo salar). An EA report (Appendix 1) sets out fishery survey data collected
between 2003 and 2009 for the two tributaries and provides an overview from data
taken from the Ogmore system as a whole. The data suggest a decline in the trout
population from 2003 to 2007, with a slight recovery recorded in 2008 and 2009.
Salmon populations by contrast although modest, appear to be on slight upward trend,
although no data for the 2010 to 2011 period were published in the report.
The performance of key tributaries may help to explain the apparent contradiction in
terms of the salmonid data, with small tributaries often providing the bulk of the
production for main river trout populations, compared to main river spawning sites
which are often favoured by salmon. This hypothesis has not been tested for the
Ogmore system.
In 2008, the WTT undertook an Advisory Visit (AV) on waters controlled by the Ogmore
Angers Association. The Cynffig and the Ffornwg were not included in the 2008 walkover
survey; however, sections of the main river within the WFD waterbody were inspected
and recommendations to control the spread of non native plants and the provision of
increased levels of overhead shading were made. The report is attached to this
document in appendix 2 for additional information.
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3.0
3.1
Habitat Assessment
Cynffig
The source of the Cynffig is located at NGR SS 863 834. The stream starts from a series
of small springs rising from the underlying carboniferous limestone. The stream flows for
approximately 4km to join the Ogmore just south of Abercynffig at NGR SS 894 834.
The walkover commenced at the confluence of the Cynffig with the Ogmore (Photo 1)
working upstream. Access for migratory salmonids into the first 150m of the stream is
easy and the very bottom section provides some good opportunities for spawning and
nursery sites. Despite the urban context of the stream, the banks, at least on this very
bottom section of stream, are natural and do not appear to have been subjected to any
significant land drainage schemes.
Photo 1
4
Some slight bank erosion issues were evident but this was not considered to be a
significant issue at this location. The dappled light and shade regime provided by the
tree cover from the LB provided a good quality environment for salmonids. Pockets of
non native plants, including Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Japanese
knotweed (Fallopia japonica) (photo 2), particularly in the urban and semi urban
environment were observed throughout the catchment.
Photo 2
A short distance upstream of the Ogmore confluence the stream passes under a long
box culvert in excess of 35m long. Due to poor access, it was not possible to closely
inspect the culvert (photo 3) but all indications were that the structure would not pose a
significant block to fish migration. A further road culvert was present a short distance
upstream. Both structures are recorded in the EA report in appendix 1, although it is not
clear if any of the features identified in the report have previously been assessed for fish
migration issues.
Located a short distance upstream of the long road culvert was a section of engineered
channel with a crump weir. The exact purpose of the weir is unclear; however, it may
have been constructed as a control measure to restrict the downstream migration of
coarse sediment into the box culvert. The weir would not constitute a complete block to
upstream migration, especially when combined with slightly elevated flow conditions. It
could, however, restrict migration during low flows and possibly during high flow
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periods, when fast water velocities, exacerbated by the long, smooth engineered
channel form could block upstream migration of small and medium sized salmonids. The
provision of a low cost baffle pass and fish resting areas are discussed in the
recommendations section of this report.
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Photo 3
Photo 4
A short distance upstream the channel took on a semi natural form,
although the left bank was defended in many areas by stone and brick walls
(photo 5) defining the boundaries of riparian properties.
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Photo5
Suitable sized spawning gravels were at a premium, as were holding pools
for adults. However, the channel supported some excellent salmonid nursery
habitat with plenty of in-channel cover for juvenile trout supplied by
numerous cobbles and boulders.
Small 1+ trout were observed, especially where shallow pool and deeper
glide habitat had formed. A cursory inspection of the bed substrate revealed
a healthy fauna of macro invertebrates including shrimps, caddis and various
species of ephemeropteran nymph.
Unfortunately, some of the local residents did not appear to value the
stream as an important wildlife resource. As well as general fly tipping there
were also sites where the river was being used for disposal of grass cuttings
(photo 6).
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Photo 6
It is recommended that a campaign targeted at local riparian owners is
undertaken to raise awareness about the dangers of tipping organic waste at
the bottom of their gardens.
Long sections of channel skirting the southern boundaries of Abercynffig
have been largely forgotten and are hemmed in with inappropriate riverside
development. Much of the building work is a legacy of the area’s industrial
past and as a result the stream has in places been constrained within brick
and concrete walls, disconnecting the stream from its floodplain.The high
walls skirting the southern RB will be restricting the productivity of the
channel due to excessive shading. Photo 7 depicts a typical section of
channel devoid of any biologically valuable margin.
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Photo 7
Underneath the road bridge (photo 8) there was a large services pipe
spanning the river. Service pipes that cross the river that are hidden under
bridges are of potential concern. It is presumed that all the services
containing potentially hazardous material are subject to regular inspections
by the relevant owners and authorities. Foul sewers running either parallel
to, or crossing a spate stream, are an accident waiting to happen. The
presence of a dippers nest with live chicks nestling on top of the services
pipe is another indication that the stream is currently supporting a healthy
fauna of aquatic invertebrates.
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Photo 8
Once upstream of the main conurbation, the channel took on a much more
natural form of pool, riffle and glide. The presence of several large fallen and
semi fallen trees (photo 9) has helped to promote some excellent holding
pools for adult trout, many of which were occupied. Immediately adjacent to
the river the land use on the LB was comparatively “fish friendly”, with land
unused as semi urban flood plain which has largely turned into scrub.
Beyond this there was a railway line which runs parallel with the stream all
the way up the valley. Beyond the railway line and also on the opposite RB
above the A4281 trunk road there were significant sized soft wood
plantations on the slopes of the high ground. No evidence could be seen at
stream level of any adverse effects of the plantations, however, research
carried out in other parts of Wales has highlighted the impact of excessive
acidic run-off associated with the well drained land underlying these mature
softwood plantations. Some suggestions for further investigations are set out
in the recommendations section of this report.
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Photo 9
Photo 10
The presence of large woody debris (LWD) when formed into debris dams
often results in anxiety amongst riparian stakeholders, followed by rapid
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removal. In some locations in Wales, debris dams are highlighted as a
significant issue for fish migrations. There is no doubt that when left
completely unmanaged some debris dams can cause a delay, or blockage to
fish migrations. Such cases are, however, comparatively rare and it is
usually only when the upstream bed level starts to rise significantly (greater
than 300mm) above the downstream bed level that urgent action needs to
be taken. In the vast majority of cases the matrix of branches, undercuts
and pocket water does allow fish to shoot through, or around the dam. The
benefits of retaining woody debris in the channel are well documented. The
message to local flood defence engineers, angling clubs and conservation
groups is that the wood should not be removed but if deemed a problem
should be moved and secured.
It was noticeable that once out of the confines of the town the channel form
was more natural and there were good pockets of reasonable spawning
habitat. The presence of lots of LWD and the associated diversity in channel
shape provides much greater river bed stability and usually results in good
opportunities for salmonid fish populations.
At NGR 889834 an old slatted footbridge has collapsed and fallen into the
channel (Photo 11). At present the fallen structure is not forming a complete
block to migration, however the slatted nature of the deck might present
some difficulties for migrating salmonids, particularly if the structure
remains intact following the next spate or two. Removing it is recommended.
In several locations the presence of iron rich groundwater (photo 12) could
be seen in the form of iron precipitate, or ochre. It is believed that these
sources of iron rich spring water are entirely natural at this location and not
associated with any local mining activity. Iron rich water entering the
channel can impact locally on productivity but it is not thought to be an issue
in the quantities observed during the survey.
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Photo 11
Photo 12
14
At NGR SS886835 there is a structure (photo 13) that will be causing great
difficulties for fish migration, both in terms of migrating adults and also for
downstream migration of smolts.
Photo 13
The structure is basically a footbridge/track constructed from a culvert with
a raised invert. In an attempt to reduce scour on the downstream side, a
large rubble mattress has been installed using stone filled wire gabion
baskets. Much of the original fill material has now been washed out and has
resulted in the majority of the stream passing through the wire basket
rather than over the top of it (photo 14). On the very downstream edge of
the structure the empty galvanised wire box forms an almost perfect fish
trap (photo 15) for kelts and an effective “gill” net ideally suited to gilling
small sea trout or larger resident brown trout. Ideally the whole structure
should be removed and a clear span bridge installed. Even without the wire
hazards, this structure would pose considerable problems for upstream
migration and in its present form represents an environmental threat.
15
Photo 14
Photo 15
16
Adjacent to the Fountain Restaurant at SS 882834 three large oil drums
were found in the channel. These appeared to have tumbled off a truck from
the road above. The drums contained bitumen and did not appear to be
leaking. The presence of the drums in the river was reported to the EA as an
incident via the emergency EA hotline.
A short distance upsteam at the same location was evidence of a partially
blocked culvert. The upstream end of the culvert appears to have been
deliberately throttled in an attempt to raise upstream water levels (photo
16) where the stream runs through the curtilage of a riverside property. The
location is problematic because water velocities within the culvert are likely
to reduce the chances of fish being able to negotiate even a modest dam at
the upstream end. It is recommended that the stones be removed.
Photo 16
17
From the hamlet of Fountain upstream, the road leaves the Cynffig, which by
now is a very small watercourse. From here the stream runs for a further
1.5Km up to the headwater springs. Although no trout were observed above
Fountain, the stream did support some potentially usefully spawning and
nursery habitats. Upstream from Fountain the channel is virtually
impenetrable and is overgrown with a matrix of hawthorn, ash and
occasional willow trees. The stream was frequently crossed by the railway
line and this has led to several sections passing through long culverts (photo
17), many of which look to be problematic for fish migration. A more
detailed follow up survey to determine fish access through the network of
culverts lying upstream of Fountain is required.
Land use on the adjacent RB slopes was relatively sensitive, with a mixture
of low density sheep grazing and small blocks of deciduous woodland.
Inspection of land use rising up from the LB was difficult due to the railway
and a thick line of dense scrub obscuring any view.
Photo 17
18
In a few locations the banks have been damaged by grazing animals (photo
18) but generally the river was enclosed in a livestock and predator proof
tangle of trees.
Photo 18
Some local opening of the canopy would be beneficial to try and aim for a
slightly greater proportion of light availability but this should only be tackled
with corresponding measures to manage access to the banks for grazing
livestock.
At the source of the Cynffig the stream has been culverted and the first
indication of open water is in the form of an on-line pond (photo 19). A
conversation with the owner suggested that the pond was an important
habitat for amphibians. This site was located upstream of any valuable
habitat for flow loving fish species.
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Photo 19
Summary of Identified Pressures affecting trout populations – Cynffig
1. Extensive channel modification including numerous structures likely to
delay, or completely block fish migration is an issue. Priority sites are
the crump weir and modified channel (photo 4) in Abercynffig and the
perched culvert and failing gabion erosion mattress (photo 13) located
just downstream of Fountain.
2. The relatively good quality habitat lying within the reach upstream of
Abercynffig is fragmented from the very bottom section of stream and
main Ogmore. Creating pockets of better quality habitat within the
section squeezed by urban development is challenging but possible.
3. The impacts of both highway and forestry drainage needs to be
properly evaluated and where possible mitigated.
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4. The presence of suitable sized spawning substrate for trout is an issue.
If bed load material is currently being removed from the main Ogmore
in areas sensitive to flooding then one way of mitigating for its
removal is to relocate it to potential spawning and nursery areas in the
tributaries. It is believed that this practice already takes place on some
rivers in the area. Ideal-sized bed gravels are in the 20 to 50mm size
bracket and appear to be at a premium in the Cynffig.
5. LWD should be retained within the channel whenever possible,
particularly in the reach above Abercynffig. This will help to stabilize
the existing bed material, slow down the flashy nature of the flow and
reconnect areas of relict flood plain.
6. Potential blocks to fish migration need to be resolved. Removing the
broken footbridge and the small stone blocks on the culvert at
Fountain are easy quick wins.
7. The disposal of waste into and adjacent to the channel is obviously an
issue and requires a campaign based on raising awareness and
possibly targeted enforcement action.
3.2 Ffornwg
The source of the Ffornwg emanates from limestone rich springs at NGR SS
899 813. The stream flows for approximately 6Km to join the Ogmore at
NGR SS 899 813.
From just above the confluence of the Ffornwg with the Ogmore, it was
evident that there was a serious problem associated with a total loss of the
stream via swallow holes – a result of the underlying geology (photo 1). At
the time of the survey river flows locally were extremely low, following the
dry winter and early spring period. A conversation with the owner of the
adjacent property suggested that although this section of stream frequently
dries up, it was extremely rare to see the channel dry in the spring. A fishery
survey undertaken in 2009 suggests that the Ffornwg supported only a very
modest population of trout and observations on the flowing sections of
stream further upstream appeared to confirm a lack of fish. If the stream
does periodically support a population of migratory salmonids then any smolt
production is likely to be lost if the stream flows to ground during the spring
smolt migrating period.
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Photo 1
Photo2
22
The section of dry channel running through the property has been heavily
modified and defended. In some sections the bed has been rendered,
perhaps in an attempt to reduce losses to the ground. The site is currently a
redundant nursery but the adjacent buildings and modifications to the
channel suggest that perhaps the site was historically used for power
generation. The comparatively open aspect of the stream does potentially
provide the space and opportunity for significant channel restoration.
If the Ffrowg is ever to contribute towards the ecological status of the main
Ogmore then maintaining surface hydraulic continuity is a priority action. It
is understood that emergency measures to block surface swallow holes
(photo 3) was being planned by the EA.
Photo 3
The dry section of channel lasted for approximately 200m, upstream of
which a surprisingly healthy looking stream was evident.
Despite the low flow conditions the water appeared to be slightly opaque and
the slight discolouration was present throughout the length of the stream. A
similar colouration occurs in several of the Limestone derived Cotswold
Streams and is more prevalent in a low flow year. In these streams it is
23
attributed to precipitation of calcium carbonate due to changes in the level of
carbon dioxide entering the river from groundwater. This hypothesis would
need to be tested for the Ffornwg.
A quick inspection of the stream bed revealed an abundant fauna of caddis
and also high densities of shrimp and various species of ephemeropteran
nymphs. Some of the gravels were coated with a species of the claret
coloured colonial algae (Hildenbrandia sp) (photo 4). This species is usually
associated with hard clean water and is frequently observed in southern
chalkstreams.
Photo 4
Adjacent land appeared to be mainly derelict meadows, which have largely
turned to scrub, however large swathes of land were also covered with
Japanese knotweed (photo 5).
In-channel habitat was considered to be good, with numerous examples of
high quality habitat for all life stages of trout. Suitable sized spawning
gravels were observed and did not appear to be unduly silt laden, compacted
or glued together with calcium carbonate deposit. The Limestone origins of
the stream were evident, even in the lower sections, with the presence of
fools cress (Apium nodiflorum) (photo 6) in some open bank margins.
Occasional clumps of water moss (Fontinalis sp.) were also present. The
apparent lack of any significant resident fish population was very surprising,
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given the apparent diversity of habitat and of aquatic invertebrate fauna.
Photo 7 shows a typical underwater image of a Ffornwg river bed stone
plastered with micro caddis.
Photo 5
Photo 6
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Photo 7
Approximately 1km above the confluence, the stream runs through a
property (SS 892 816) where a meadow (photo 8) slopes down to the LB of
the stream. Adjacent to the farm buildings is what looks like a large waste
heap. The meadow adjacent to the road is used for fairly intensive livestock
(horse) grazing. The comparatively high density of animals using the land
and the lack of any effective stock fencing has left this section of stream
vulnerable to damage. Bank poaching by livestock has led to an over-wide
channel in some places, with a comparatively high sediment burden covering
the bed. The quality of habitat adjacent to the stream is also compromised
by discarded waste (tyres) on the adjacent LB (photo 9) and curb stones
placed in the stream to create a head of water for what appears to be a
livestock drinking bay (photo 10). The whole site appears to be a prime
candidate for an EA farm waste, or pollution prevention visit.
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Photo 8
Photo 9
27
Photo 10
Immediately opposite this site, located on the RB was what appeared to be
an old combined surface water/foul sewer outfall. There was no evidence
that any discharge had recently flowed from the structure but it is
recommended that some investigations are carried out to ensure that the
structure is indeed redundant and no longer connected to any foul drainage
system.
From this point upstream the Ffornwg took on a much more pleasing and
potentially more ecologically valuable form. Here the river is bordered by a
railway line, which like the Cynffig, follows the line of the stream all the way
up. Adjacent land use was mainly parcels of deciduous woodland and small
fields of permanent pasture (photo 11). In channel habitat for salmonid fish
was considered to be good, with the channel exhibiting a meandering
planform and natural pool, riffle and glide morphology. The channel appears
to be largely neglected and unmanaged, with good examples of fallen woody
debris helping to shape the stream and sort river bed gravels. A mixture of
mature marginal trees, including willow, ash and alder provided a favourable
regime of dappled light and shade. Despite what appeared to be a very good
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environment, no fish were observed in any of the deeper glide or pool
habitats.
Photo 11
At NGR SS 886 817 the stream passes through a railway culvert. it was not
possible to determine if this culvert is an issue for fish migration due to
health and safety considerations. From what could be seen, it did not appear
that access was particularly problematic for salmonids but a further
inspection is recommended.
A short distance upstream and due south from the Colman Court Manor
Hotel there are various old milling structures. These structures may have
architectural, or cultural heritage significance but one structure (photo 12) in
particular is impacting on fish migration and damaging habitat quality.
29
Photo (12)
(Photo 13)
30
For a considerable distance upstream of the structure the channel is
severely impounded. The problem is exacerbated because the RB is lined
with a dense stand of rhododendron shrubs (photo 13), which are
considered to be an inappropriate streamside plant and potentially damaging
to the stream’s ecology.
The character of the stream changes somewhat from a point near NGR SS
881 814 up to Llangewydd Farm. Here a reduction in stream bed gradient
and a change in adjacent land use has radically altered the nature of the
stream (photo 14). Large meadows bordering the RB of the stream show
evidence of previous arable production and the channel is dominated by a
silt laden bed with significant stands of reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima).
Photo 14
Further evidence of the calcareous nature of the water quality was evident
with the presence of the occasional bed of starwort (Callitriche sp, photo
15).
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Photo 15
In channel spawning opportunities on this upper section of the Ffrowg
appeared to be limited due to a lack in suitable sized gravels (photo 16).
River material was mainly dominated by coarse shale cobbles, larger stones
and fine sediments. In the more wooded sections, there was excellent
holding habitat for adult trout, with numerous well-covered pools with lots of
cover from undercut banks and root systems (photo 17).
In one or two locations some suitable sized spawning gravel was present but
was thought to have probably been washed off the embankment of the
adjacent railway line into the nearby channel. Freshly deposited fine
sediments were evident in many areas (photo 18), especially where the
channel gradient was comparatively flat. Fine sediment loads, especially
those with a high organic component can drastically reduce salmonid egg
survival rates. Some of the fine sediment was finding its way into the stream
via drainage ditches and culverts (photo 19) that joined the stream from
under the railway line from the LB. It is believed this source was from a
livestock drinking bay but would warrant further investigation.
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Photo 16
33
Photo 17
Photo 18
Photo 19
34
Issues associated with fly tipping (Photo 20) were also apparent in the rural
zone, particularly near road access points. Although no obvious toxic threat
was identified, it is not hard to imagine a dumped drum, similar to the one
photographed in the channel, perhaps containing old pesticide, or similar.
Even a comparatively small quantity of such material could have
catastrophic consequences.
It was very noticeable that the Ffornwg does not have any small side
streams, or tributaries that look capable of supporting an “arc” salmonid
population. If subjected to a pollution incident near the top of the stream it
would not be difficult to imagine the trout population being wiped out from
the entire system, with few interested eyes to witness the damage. Although
invertebrates may well have the capacity to bounce back quickly, reestablishing a viable trout population could take many years, especially
when there are potential blocks to upstream migrating sea trout to kick start
any population.
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Photo 20
From NGR SS 867 815 upstream there was very little habitat capable of
supporting a viable salmonid population. Unfortunately it was not possible to
access the channel immediately adjacent to the large Hare Grove Farm.
There was no suggestion that the farm was having any adverse impact to
the stream although any farm site with large facilities for silage storage such
as this site will require occasional inspection. Just upstream of Hare Grove
on the north east side of the M4 the stream skirts a redundant lime works,
with associated settling lagoons (photo 21). A cursory inspection could not
identify any obvious drainage connection with the stream but it is possible
that the presence of this site might be contributing towards the distinctive
colouration of the stream.
Photo 21
The top section of stream has been heavily modified and forms what is in
effect a land drain. Here the stream is dominated by hard water loving
plants such as fools cress and true water cress (Rorippa sp).
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Summary of Identified Pressures affecting trout populations – Ffornwg
1. The periodic drying out of the lower section of channel just above the
Ogmore confluence will at worst render the stream useless for
migratory salmonids and at best may delay, or restrict access at key
times of the year. A scheme to line this section of river bed and
enhance riparian habitat should be considered as a priority action. The
Ffornwg is by nature well placed to support a resident brown trout
population but it will always be vulnerable to the population being lost
if the connections to the main Ogmore are not permanent.
2. The old milling structure (photo 12) looks to be a significant block to
fish migration.
3. The physical characteristics of this stream, coupled with the productive
water chemistry and fauna would normally facilitate a healthy resident
brown trout population. The fact that this population looks to be
largely absent may well be due to a previously undetected pollution
incident, or combination of incidents. Recolonisation via natural
downstream drift would seem unlikely and upstream recolonisation by
migratory trout may also be extremely for the reasons mentioned
above.
4. The 2009 monitoring site for the Ffornwg appears to be located in an
area where the habitat may be compromised by the adjacent land use.
Trout appear to be in short supply in most areas where they should be
expected but this should be tested by surveying a further site
upstream where favourable trout habitat exists.
5. Environment management pollution prevention visits are
recommended for certain sites identified in this report.
4.0
Conclusions and Recommendations
Currently the Cynffig and Ffornwg are not contributing as much as they
could to the fishery ecology of the main River Ogmore. This is largely due to
problems associated with poor access and egress, as well as degraded
37
habitat and the ever present water quality threats associated with
inappropriate land use, vulnerably stored farm waste and general fly tipping.
Habitat quality is also compromised by invasive non native plants and
structures impounding the flow and disrupting potentially valuable sediment
transfer.
Cynffig

Improve fish migration and habitat quality through Abercynffig by
installing a low cost baffle pass on the crump weir and providing fish
resting refuge in the heavily squeezed engineered sections of channel.

Remove the culvert and rubble erosion mattress at NGR SS886 835
and replace culvert with a clear span bridge.

Ffornwg

Deliver a lower Ffornwg restoration scheme by lining the bed of a
200m section of channel just above the Ogmore confluence. The
project should incorporate the use of a natural river bed and
remodelled margins using soft engineering techniques.

Remove or lower the milling impoundment adjacent to the Court
Colman Hotel. Costs will depend on whether removal of the structure
is acceptable. A fallback position would be the construction of a
technical fish pass Pollution prevention visits to sites identified in the
section above. EA operation working programme.
Both Streams

Introduction of 20-60mm spawning gravels to selected sites. Possibly
material removed from main channel locations during flood defence
operations. Costs could be offset against flood defence programme.

A WQ campaign to be run by the EA to address urban waste disposal
by riparian owners and illegal fly tipping

A campaign to eradicate non native plants from both catchments.
Programme could potentially be run by local community groups via the
Rivers Trust.
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
Re-survey both streams and consider an additional site on the Ffornwg
a few hundred metres upstream of the current survey site.

Make enquiries to see if the Ogmore AA would be willing to undertake
regular Anglers Monitoring Initiative kick samples for agreed locations
on both tributaries. This may already be happening.
5.0
Making it Happen
The actions above could be broken down into capital projects overseen and
managed by the EA and small, community based projects led by the local
angling club
Persuading a local group, perhaps the OAA, to work with local Cynffig and
Ffornwg land owners will help to locally raise the profile of these two
important streams and focus efforts and bring them both into good
ecological status.
6.0
Acknowledgement
The Wild Trout Trust would like to thank the Environment Agency for the
support which made this visit possible.
7.0
Disclaimer
This report is produced for guidance only and should not be used as a
substitute for full professional advice. Accordingly, no liability or
responsibility for any loss or damage can be accepted by the Wild Trout
Trust as a result of any other person, company or organisation acting, or
refraining from acting, upon comments made in this report.
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Appendix 1
Report supplied by EA Wales as background information to this report.
Appendix 2
WTT AV River Ogmore and tributaries 2008
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