Why was BBC national TV news reporting from the river Wye?

“Parts of the Wye have been overwhelmed by pollution – some from sewage discharges, some as a result of agricultural activity, with devastating consequences,” his report said.

“Campaigners say the recent boom in intensive agriculture, especially chicken farms, is partly to blame. Fertiliser and animal muck are spread on the land under strict regulations.

“Good for growing crops, but nutrients in the muck can cause havoc if too much gets into the river system – especially the Wye, which is overloaded with phosphorus.”

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National Farmers Union Cymru president Aled Jones says in the report: “There is no simple answer I’m afraid. Population growth is such that there needs to be housing developments. At the same time, those people need to be fed as well.”

The Hereford Times Save the Wye campaign calls for more concerted action to protect the river.