Young people from Powys were among a group of campaigners who visited the Senedd last week to highlight concerns about pollution in Welsh rivers.

Members of UK Youth for Nature (UKY4N) delivered a display of hand-crocheted “tea bags” to Members of the Senedd, each labelled with pollutants linked to declining water quality. The group said the unusual props were designed to draw attention to what is “brewing” in rivers and lakes across Wales, and to encourage political parties to strengthen protections for freshwater habitats.

The event, sponsored by Delyth Jewell MS, brought together young representatives from across Wales along with MSs from Plaid Cymru, Labour and the Conservatives. It forms part of UKY4N’s ‘Not So Freshwater’ campaign, which calls for cross-party action to restore Welsh freshwater ecosystems.

Campaigners pointed to recent assessments from Natural Resources Wales showing that only 43 per cent of Welsh rivers and 25 per cent of lakes currently meet “good” or better ecological status. They also highlighted continuing concerns over both agricultural run-off and sewage pollution, which contribute to high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus.

The issue is particularly relevant in Brecon and Radnorshire, where the River Usk continues to fail phosphorus targets in most monitored sections. Environmental groups say excessive nutrient levels can lead to algal blooms, threatening wildlife and reducing water quality for local communities.

UKY4N members used the meeting to ask MSs to consider closer engagement with young people on future freshwater policy. They also urged parties to back stronger pollution controls and better monitoring as the Senedd continues scrutiny of the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill.

Ellen Bradley, Co-Director of UK Youth for Nature, said young people “want healthy waterways they can enjoy throughout their lives” and called for environmental policy to reflect that ambition.