River will take decades to recover from 'vandalism', ecologist says
Summary
A stretch of the River Lugg in Herefordshire has been badly damaged by a local farmer who illegally removed gravel and cut down trees. Experts say it could take 20 to 30 years for the river and its wildlife to recover. The farmer was jailed and ordered to pay fines and fix the damage.Key Facts
- John Price illegally removed gravel from the riverbed to build on his property and cut down 71 trees.
- He was jailed in 2023 and fined £600,000, with orders to restore the river environment.
- The River Lugg is home to six protected and endangered species, including otters and salmon.
- The river was protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1995.
- Experts describe the damage as "ecological vandalism on an industrial scale."
- Restoration efforts include replanting trees and improving the riverbed and banks.
- It currently shows few signs of wildlife, with little insect or fish activity visible.
- Agencies monitoring the site report some improvement, including the presence of trout and kingfishers.
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