Clean rivers in Wales and England have aided numerous types of wildlife, the Environment Agency says. The past 10 years has been the most effective for rivers since the industrialized revolution, it said. Record amounts of sea trout and salmon were found in the Tyne, Mersey and Thames, although otters returned to each region in England and Wales.
The past ten years also saw the arrival of the water vole following a theatrical decrease in 1990s. Events of severe water contamination have been halved since year 2001. International Theiss River Prize won by The River Thames for exceptional accomplishment in river restoration and management captured.
Ian Barker, head of water in the Environment Agency, said: "The last decade shows what lengths we've come in decreasing pollution and recuperating water top quality and river habitats. "Rivers in Wales and England are at their best for more than a hundred years, with otters, salmon and other wildlife time for numerous rivers in high numbers in places across the nation."
He added: "But you will find still huge challenges. Contamination from grounds and roads requirements to be undertaken and the Environment Agency have strategies in position to re-vitalise 9,500 miles of water channels between now and year 2015."
