Angela Jones and the Fight for the River Wye - "A story of one British river - The River Wye"

October 2025

In the heart of the UK, the River Wye has become a symbol of both beauty and crisis. Once celebrated for its clear waters and rich wildlife, today it tells a harder story—one of outdated regulations, intensive farming pressures, and years of problems brushed aside.

That’s where Angela Jones comes in. Known as the “Wild Woman of the Wye,” Angela has dedicated her life to this river. A wild swimmer, educator, and relentless campaigner, she has watched the Wye decline with her own eyes. Brown algae where there used to be bright water crowfoot, unsafe water quality where families once swam freely—Angela refuses to let it go unnoticed.

In the video, she shares not only the Wye’s struggles, but also its resilience. Because when communities, campaigners, and volunteers put in the work—testing water, raising awareness, demanding action—change becomes possible. Funding is starting to flow. Authorities are finally listening. And signs of hope, however small, are appearing.

Angela’s story is a reminder: rivers don’t have a voice of their own. It takes people like her to stand up, speak out, and protect them. The Wye’s future is still uncertain, but with champions like Angela leading the way, its story isn’t over yet.

Video link here

Thanks to Mykyta Osadchyi (This is the River Wye) for producing this video