A POWERFUL new art exhibition highlighting pollution in the River Wye is now on display at the Forest of Dean District Council offices.

Created by members of the Save the Wye campaign, the exhibition features sixteen striking glass panels placed at the front of the Coleford building.

The panels tell a visual story of a journey down the Wye, showing the gradual build-up of pollution as the river flows toward the sea. Inside, a dedicated information area offers further detail on the damage being caused to the river and the wildlife it supports.

The artists behind the work are Rachel Bomford, Laura Liddell, and Mollie Meager, all active members of Save the Wye.

Their aim is to raise awareness and encourage local people to get involved in protecting one of the region’s most valued natural landscapes.

The exhibition is being proudly hosted by Forest of Dean District Council. Last year, councillors unanimously supported a Rivers and Oceans Motion, which pledged to improve local water quality and take action against pollution.

Councillor Andrew McDermid, the Council’s River Water Quality Champion, said: “The new exhibition produced by members of Save the Wye looks incredible and really helps to spread the message about the deterioration of our waterways in the Forest of Dean.

“Having received unanimous backing from Councillors last year on the Rivers and Oceans Motion, we knew that it was imperative to highlight this cause and to do everything we can to help stop this catastrophic problem from getting even worse.

“I would like to thank the artists themselves and the officers at the Council who have been involved in this project so far, and hope that residents will appreciate both the beautiful artwork and the messaging behind it.

“A problem of this scale cannot be tackled alone. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our rivers long into the future, and by working together to lobby government we can do our part in making that a reality.”

Cllr McDermid is part of the Council’s Water Improvement Group. The group works alongside citizen scientists, voluntary organisations, and neighbouring authorities to monitor river health, identify pollution sources and apply pressure at a national level for change.

A key aim of the group is to involve the public in river protection, with a particular focus on engaging young people. The exhibition is viewed as a creative and accessible way to raise awareness and spark involvement.

The exhibition will remain on display at the Council’s Coleford offices until Monday, June 30, 2025, and can be viewed during normal office hours.

Residents who would like to learn more about the Rivers and Oceans Motion can find meeting details by visiting the Forest of Dean District Council website and looking up the Full Council meeting held on Thursday, September 21, 2023.

Further information on how to support the campaign to protect the River Wye, including volunteering opportunities and local events, is available by searching online for Save the Wye.