In the timely debate, Soil and Water, Simon Evans, Deputy Director of The Wye and Usk Foundation, explores the impact of soil erosion upon river wildlife and its links with water management and flooding. The talk is being organised as part of an imaginative collaboration of artists, communities and conservation experts spearheaded by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership which encourages locals and visitors to celebrate nature, culture, landscape and life along the River Wye. It is one of a series of walks, talks and debates being organised as part of a festival that will enable everyone to lend their voice to the conversation about the future of this precious countryside.

In the drive for more convenient food, agriculture is eroding our soils at an alarming rate and exacerbating flooding. In one six-day spate last year over 500,000 tonnes of Herefordshire soil left for the sea, that is over 16,000 trucks worth!  This loss affects our farming, our river habitats and our water management. “Find out how the problem has arisen, what Wye and Usk Foundation is doing and how if we change how the land is farmed to take soils into account, we retain water in the landscape, farming is more productive and flooding is reduced,” said Andrew Blake, Wye Valley AONB Officer. The talk at Trellech Village Hall on May 8 at 7pm will be followed by open discussion, then a delicious locally sourced seasonal meal.

The festival programme also provides walkers with the chance to explore the beautiful Wye Valley and some of the countryside along either side of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, allowing people the 'Irresistible Offa' of exploring outstanding landscapes and fascinating local places. “Bring cameras, well behaved dogs, snacks and plenty of water!” said Wye Valley AONB Community Links Officer Sarah Sawyer.

Full of history and atmosphere, the first event, on April 30, is an exploration of the quay and docks at Wilton and Ross. Discover real stories about the barges, cargoes and the men of the river in the company of renowned local historian Heather Hurley.

Walkers will gaze over a fabulous and famous view on May 5, when they joinForestry Commission Community Ranger Hayley Clayton to enjoy the vista from the Rock at Symonds Yat, before heading down to the river, over the Biblins Bridge and back over on the hand ferry, with a stop for tea and cake before the climb back up.   

The walk 'English Bicknor and the River Wye' on May 7, led bythe Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tour Guides explores the area around Offa's Dyke, taking a route through wooded slopes to the riverside. Walkers will follow part of the Wye Valley Walk along the dismantled Wye Valley Railway line which allows glimpses of Lower Lydbrook's past industrial heritage. The return route leads via Offa's Dyke to the ancient settlement of English Bicknor.

Finally, on May 14, 'The Hudnalls Woodland and Riverside' is an exploration of the wooded hillside between St. Briavels and the River Wye. Follow the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tour Guides through the historic Hudnalls Wood, past an isolated Polish Chapel and War Memorial to the battle of Monte Casino before descending almost to the banks of the river at Bigsweir Bridge.

Also being promoted as part of this year's Wye Valley River Festival programme are the In the Pink Walk the Wye Charity Walks, a series of seven walks held by The Rotary Club to raise money for In the Pink, a charity fundraising for breast cancer research. All the walks start on May 11 from Monmouthshire Showground in Redbrook Road, Monmouth, including the specially named Festival Heights - a 12-mile walk which is not for the fainthearted!

For more information email: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk. Bookings can be made via Eventbrite – for booking details and for more information about the Wye Valley River Festival visit http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/index.php/wye-valley-river-festival/

For more information and to book for the In the Pink Walk the Wye Charity Walks visit: http://walkthewye.com/about/