Climate Flights - Record dry conditions

The Wye near Llanstephan, July 2026.

We have been out with the drone recording the Wye in various locations to get a sense of how climate change is effecting the river. These striking images capture just how low the river has got with the riverbed exposed in many places. The low flows and record high water temperatures are putting severe stress on fish populations throughout the catchment and are also encouraging the growth of algae which can smother the river.

To see the drone flight over Llanstephan click here.

Llanstephan. The Wye here is reduced to two narrow channels. The dramatic geology of the riverbed exposed.

The effect of the dry weather is especially clear in Hereford where low flows and high water temperatures have combined to promote algal growth.

To see the drone flight in Hereford click here.

The Wye in Hereford, August 2026.

Algae dominates the shallows. Water Crowfoot is trying to recover but the harsh conditions and especially the algae affect its growth.

The Wye by the Old Bridge Hereford. Newly exposed gravel beds are stained with algae. The river reduced to a thin channel.

Further north the Wye above Rhayader is much diminished. See the drone flight here.

The Wye north of Rhayader, August 2026.

Large gravel banks are visible. The Wye north of Rhayader.

These images give a sense of how the changing climate is influencing the Wye.

The Wye in Glasbury after the driest July on record.