Landmark High Court bid blames poultry farming and sewage for River Wye pollution

More than 4,500 residents near the River Wye and its catchment in Wales and England have launched what is described as the UK’s largest environmental pollution claim against Avara Foods and Welsh Water, alleging that spreading chicken manure and sewage spills have caused nutrient pollution and algal blooms that degrade river health and affect livelihoods. The case, brought by Leigh Day, marks a landmark in UK environmental litigation with a High Court hearing in London, while the defendants deny the allegations; Natural England has previously rated the Wye as unfavourable–declining, linking the issues to farming, wastewater and climate factors.