By Emma Johnson, Midlands Deputy Director, Natural England
Natural England has completed a detailed condition assessment of the River Lugg SSSI, part of the nationally protected River Wye catchment. This blog sets out the findings of that assessment, explaining the key environmental pressures, including excess nutrients, fine sediment and invasive species, that are contributing to the river's "unfavourable-declining" status. It also outlines why healthy rivers matter, how climate change is likely to intensify existing challenges, and what coordinated action across the catchment can do to help restore the River Lugg to a healthier, more resilient state.
The River Wye and River Lugg are nationally important waterways, protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
In 2023, we published an interim assessment highlighting concerns about the condition of the River Wye and its catchment. At that time, both the Wye and the Lugg were classed as “unfavourable – declining”, with pressures from nutrients, land use and habitat change affecting key ecological features.
Our guidance explains the different classifications we use for SSSIs.
Since then, we have completed a more thorough condition assessment of the River Lugg SSSI, which confirms the findings of our interim assessment.
That’s certainly not where we want the health of our rivers to be. The new assessment provides a clearer understanding of the river’s current condition and how we can tackle the challenges ahead.
A full assessment of the River Wye is also underway.
What the new assessment tells us
The River Lugg continues to support valuable wildlife, including otters and nationally scarce invertebrates. River flows remain close to natural levels, demonstrating a degree of ecological resilience.
However, significant environmental challenges remain:
Phosphorus levels exceed targets throughout the Lugg catchment. Fine sediment is widespread, particularly in the middle and lower river. Excess nutrients are causing algal growth and changes to aquatic plant communities. Invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and signal crayfish are affecting native wildlife. Historic river engineering, including dredging and straightening, has reduced habitat diversity and natural river function.Taking all factors into account, the River Lugg SSSI is in “unfavourable-declining” condition.
While some stretches retain high ecological value, the combined impacts of nutrient enrichment, sediment, habitat modification and invasive species are limiting the river’s ability to function as a healthy, resilient system.
The River Lugg near Leominster has been historically dredged, resulting in slower flows, siltation and algae cover.Why this matters
Healthy rivers depend on a balance of clean water, natural flows and diverse habitats. When nutrients and sediment enter in excess, they can:
Drive excessive algal growth Smother gravels used by fish and invertebrates Reduce water clarity and plant diversity Lower oxygen levels, especially in warm conditionsOver time, these effects reduce the resilience of the river, increasing vulnerability to further pressures.
Climate change is likely to intensify these challenges. Hotter, drier summers may reduce flows and increase water temperatures, while heavier rainfall can increase runoff of nutrients and sediment. These changes amplify existing pressures on the river.
How land management can help
The condition of the River Lugg reflects how land has been managed over many years. Improving it will require coordinated action across the catchment, for example:
Reducing nutrient losses from soil and manure Limiting soil erosion and sediment runoff Creating riverside buffer strips and planting trees Reconnecting rivers with their floodplains where possible Managing invasive species through catchment-wide action Pristine reach near Aymenstry. The river here is connected to its floodplain and displays classic “run-riffle-pool” habitats.Working together
Since 2023, our evidence base has strengthened, with input from EA and citizen science (Friends of the River Wye) giving us a clearer understanding of both the pressures affecting the River Lugg and the actions needed to address them.
Natural England is working with the Environment Agency, Herefordshire Council, Wye Catchment Partnership, the Wye and Usk Foundation, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and other partners to tackle nutrient pollution while enabling sustainable growth. We are also working closely with our partners in Wales.
Many of the required actions can be supported through farming schemes that balance environmental improvements with productive land use.
The River Lugg remains an ecologically important and valuable river, but it faces complex and long-standing challenges. With sustained, coordinated effort across the catchment, we can improve its condition and help restore a healthy, resilient river system benefiting wildlife and people.
seen at 15:00, 7 July in Natural England.