People across Ceredigion are being encouraged to 'adopt' the river tributaries in the county.

The "Adopt a Tributary Ceredigion" initiative, led by West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT), is inviting communities to take responsibility for improving biodiversity and fostering community connection to their river streams.

The initiative received financial backing from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered by Ceredigion County Council.

The campaign aims to enhance the condition of Ceredigion's rivers, ranging from the Afon Clarach and Afon Rheidol in the north to the Afon Teifi in the south.

To achieve this, communities will be supported and trained to become the guardians and spokespersons for rivers.

Tributaries play a crucial role in providing habitats for various wildlife.

However, factors such as pollution, barriers to fish migration, and littering among others have degraded their state of health.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, expressed his support for the initiative.

He said: "Adopt groups carry out everything from simply informing WWRT of issues and opportunities while out walking along their river, to litter picks, wildlife surveys, water quality monitoring and even working with landowners to undertake in-stream habitat restoration.

"WWRT will provide the training, support, equipment and health and safety guidance to help communities achieve their goals.

"The project is already working with local communities to tackle many of the problems that are affecting these streams, and WWRT is looking to increase the number of groups actively involved to ensure as many of Ceredigion’s streams as possible are cared for."

Ceredigion community engagement officer for West Wales Rivers Trust, Joe Wilkins, sees the project as a crucial step to address threats to the rivers.

He said: "It’s hard to think about Ceredigion without thinking about the hundreds of miles of rivers and streams that bring so much life to the county.

"Our rivers are under threat from a combination of sources and it’s easy to feel powerless.

"The Adopt a Tributary project seeks to bring communities together to improve the health of West Wales’ rivers.

"We’re looking to work with any schools, local businesses, unions, farming groups, community groups, councils, and individuals who want to play a more active role in protecting and restoring Ceredigion’s fantastic rivers."

Mr Wilkins is urging anyone interested in adopting a tributary in Ceredigion to reach out via the email address joe@westwalesriverstrust.org.

He opens communication in both Welsh and English languages.