Our History

Pioneering moments our supporters have helped us achieve

1995

The Wye Foundation is formed to reverse the dramatic collapse in Atlantic salmon numbers.

1998

Our first large scale project begins, restoring degraded habitat and reopening access for migrating fish.

2000

Together with the Usk owners and anglers, we buy out commercial fisheries in the estuary.

2002

Following the successful estuary partnership, we become the Wye & Usk Foundation

2003

We launch our Fishing Passport scheme. Since then, it has generated over £17 million for the local economy.

2010

The Foundation’s farm advisory team begins its work to reduce the impact of agriculture on rivers .

2014

The Wye’s 5-year average salmon catch rises above 1,000 fish for the first time in 15 years.

2017

Following our gravel restoration project, salmon and trout are found in parts of the river Elan they have been absent from for over 50 years .

2020

The Foundation’s 25th anniversary. Many of the original problems have been solved but new threats have also appeared for our rivers.