High levels of flooding in Wales leaves productive farmland 'left worthless'

The flooding has resulted in the standing water being seen in several fields (Stock photo)
The flooding has resulted in the standing water being seen in several fields (Stock photo)

High water levels in drainage ditches in the Dysynni Valley, mid Wales have resulted in farm land being taken out of production and has left much of it worthless.

The Dysynni Valley is one of several Internal Drainage Districts in Meirionnydd which are administered by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), where farmers pay a statutory drainage rate for their land.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has said "urgent action" is required to deal with the weak flow in the ditches, the need to clear mature weed growth and vegetation, and for ditch beds to be cleared and dredged in many areas along the valley.

The area's unique 19th-century drainage system has been blamed for the flooding.

Huw Jones, head of the FUWs’ Meirionnydd branch, met with local MP Liz Saville Roberts to talk about the issue.

He said: “I realised that immediate action has to be taken on this. Many of our members have come to speak to me about their concerns... that’s why we have raised the issue with our local Member of Parliament.

“A letter has now been sent from the office of Liz Saville Roberts to NRW asking them to address the problems our members are facing, including a comprehensive list of jobs that need to be carried out immediately,” said Mr Jones.

'Left worthless'

The flooding has resulted in the standing water being seen in several fields, which means that productive farmland has now been left worthless.

According to FUW, there is also "clear evidence" of environmental deterioration.

Mr Jones continued: “The issue affects most farmers within the valley and the FUW appreciates that the Dysynni has a unique man-made drainage system, which has been described as a masterpiece of 19th century engineering.

“However, it is imperative that there is regular maintenance of the system. It is clear that there are serious shortcomings in the system, which has culminated in the situation we are in today.”

Maintenance has reportedly started, but the FUW explained that an assurance is needed to make sure it will be carried out "thoroughly".

Mr Jones continued: “We made a request for a maintenance programme to be carried out twice a year, as has been the case in previous years.

“This work will have a huge impact on our members’ livelihoods and the FUW is clear that the work over the coming weeks must be monitored carefully, and the farmers views taken on board.

“The damaged caused by the flooding can be reversed, meaning that our members can make full use of their fields again, however that depends entirely on the work being carried correctly and as soon as possible.”.