Supporting the River Dee

Our Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability

Our journey towards sustainability began in 2021 with the Ty’n-y-Pistyll Woodland project, a long-term initiative that reflects our commitment to the environment. Over the course of three years we have planted circa 500 native trees, including an initial nursery of fast-growing Downy Birch, plus Sessile Oak, Rowan, Small Leaf Lime, Field Maple, Wild Pear, Crab Apple and Wild Cherry, amongst others. These species were specifically chosen for their suitability for this location, including a natural prevalence in this area, as well as their resilience and ability to integrate a diverse ecosystem, supporting everything from insects to birds, amphibians and mammals. The Ty’n-y-Pistyll Woodland Project not only helps to mitigate our unavoidable carbon emissions, but also significantly improves local biodiversity. Our work here is far from complete! Although we’ve planted all of the available space, we continue holding maintenance days to ensure our trees thrive into maturity.

Introducing the LIFE Dee River Project

As we move forward, our focus shifts to the next exciting chapter in our environmental journey: the LIFE Dee River project. This ambitious initiative, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) aims to protect and restore the River Dee’s ecosystem, ensuring it can thrive for generations to come. The River Dee is one of Wales’ most vital waterways, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including the critically important salmon population and rare freshwater pearl mussel. The river faces numerous threats including pollution, habitat loss and the effects of climate change in particular on rising water temperatures.

Why the River Dee?

The River Dee is located close to our head office base in North East Wales and is home to some of the most ecologically important species in Wales, particularly salmon. Atlantic Salmon rely on cold, clean water to survive, and climate change has led to an increase in water temperatures, threatening their future survival, not just in Wales but habitats across their range from the Baltic to North America.

Through the LIFE Dee River project, we are taking significant steps to help address this issue here in North Wales. One of the project’s key strategies is to plant native trees along the river bank to create shaded areas. These trees will boost biodiversity and cool the river year-round by providing natural shade. The cooling effect is critical for reducing water temperatures back to levels that are necessary for the salmons’ survival. As trees mature their canopy shades the water, reducing sunlight and mitigating climate change’s warming effects.

Tree Planting and Biodiversity

Forests are one of the most effective tools we have in a fight against climate change. By absorbing carbon dioxide trees help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they also serve another crucial role: increasing biodiversity. Native trees along the River Dee will create habitats, supporting wildlife and fostering a balanced, resilient ecosystem. Beyond carbon mitigation, the woodland will play an important role in soil health, reducing erosion and improving water quality. Trees naturally filter rainwater as it passes through the forest floor, preventing pollutants from entering nearby streams and rivers. Clean water is vital for local wildlife, supporting diverse species and promoting healthy ecosystems. Read more about the importance of biodiversity here.

Supporting Habitat Restoration

Our Involvement in the LIFE Dee River project goes beyond addressing the immediate needs of the river’s temperature. It is also focussed on habitat restoration by replanting native trees along the bank; this also involves removing invasive species that may threaten local flora and fauna. Improving riverside habitats supports a wide variety of wildlife from birds and amphibians to fish and insects. These efforts aim to restore land and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the River Dee’s ecosystem.

The trees planted along the banks of the River Dee will always be carefully selected to support both the river and the surrounding landscape. By planting native species, such as the Eurasian Aspen, Willow, Silver Birch, Elder and the incredibly rare Welsh-native Black Poplar, we aim to create a buffer that will improve water quality and create habitats for wildlife. Over time, these trees will also contribute to carbon sequestration, adding another layer of environmental benefit.

In February 2025 we undertook our first round of tree planting, with 185 native tree whips planted along the banks of the River Ceiriog close to its conjunction with the River Dee. This area had previously been open to grazing cattle, leading to the riverbank becoming eroded. It is now fenced off to protect the river from further pollution caused by the cattle and the young trees from their munching. It is now home to a mix of Silver Birch, Black Poplar, Eurasian Aspen, Rowan and Elder trees, as well as Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Holly for lower-lying shrub cover. In addition around 300 Willow cuttings were dug in, taking the total to almost 500 young trees planted! In such an exposed area we anticipate a slightly lower survival rate than usual, so planting far beyond the minimum 185 trees we needed was important to ensure our carbon mitigation targets are met.

Support Through Your Bookings

Every booking made with us directly supports our environmental initiatives. Each booking funds tree planting, so traveling with us supports the health of the River Dee and its environment. We believe in sustainable tourism, where your experience is enriched by supporting the preservation of the natural world.

Want to do even more:

• Make an additional tree donation: Support the LIFE River Dee project by adding an extra tree when you book your trip online. Every contribution helps us to expand our reach, planting more trees, restoring more habitat and making a more significant positive impact on the environment
• Become a Tree Care volunteer: young trees need looking after and keeping the area clear of competing species is important while they become established. Working with the team at Natural Resources Wales, we hold maintenance days each summer where you’re welcome to join us on site to help care for the young trees

Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest LIFE Dee River news, including dates for planting and maintenance days

LIFE Dee River project: A collaborative, community effort

We are honoured to be a part of the LIFE Dee River Project. Working alongside Natural Resources Wales (NRW), who have long been at the forefront of conservation in Wales. NRW’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s natural resources has been instrumental in addressing environmental challenges, from protecting critical habitats to improving water quality across Wales. Their expertise and leadership in managing the River Dee’s ecosystem are invaluable to the success of this project.

For years, NRW has been committed to preserving the River Dee’s unique biodiversity, tackling issues like pollution and climate change impacts head-on. Being part of this collaborative effort allows us to contribute to their ongoing work in restoring natural habitats and improving river health. We are proud to support NRW’s mission and excited to amplify the positive changes in the region

Looking Ahead: A sustainable future

The completion of planting in our Ty’-n-y-Pistyll Woodland marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. We are committed to our reforestation efforts and expanding our environmental initiatives through projects like the LIFE Dee River. We focus on habitat restoration to tackle today’s environmental challenges and build a foundation for a sustainable future.

As we begin this project with NRW, we’re committed to positively impacting the environment and fostering a sustainable future. Join us on this journey through participation, support, or by spreading the word about the importance of conservation.
Together, we can make a difference.