Mapping the Data

In 2021 the river was given moderate status by the Water Framework Directive due to the Phosphate reading.

The river extends for over 6km.

The Cegin has had a turbulent history with reports of dogs unfortunately perishing.

The WFD (Water Framework Directive) layer on the map provides crucial data for the fish survey results, highlighting the fish populations.

The Cegin played a vital role in the growth of the economy, shaping Bangor and its surrounding areas through its connection to the slate industry. As can be seen by the map, the old railway that transported slate from Penrhyn Quarry to Porth Penrhyn. The old railway has since been turned into a public footpath to the Upper Ogwen.

Climate change is increasing the intensity of rainfall, and as a result, flooding is becoming more frequent along the Cegin. By using innovative methods and collaborating with communities, it is possible to slow the flow of water, mitigating flood risks and improving water quality.

The layer demonstrates the tree cover density. Trees are vital in catchment systems as they absorb water, reducing runoff, and mitigating flood risks. Trees intercept rainfall, enhance soil infiltration, and help stabilise the soil, thereby reducing erosion and promoting groundwater recharge.

The land use map, which is predominantly agricultural, highlights the extensive farming activities in the Cegin catchment area, underscoring the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to protect water quality and ecosystem health.

The map highlights the manure volume in North Wales for Beef. The Cegin and Ogwen catchment has a mixture of sheep and cattle. Cattle and sheep can impact water quality by contributing to nutrient runoff, erosion, and contamination from manure, which can lead to increased levels of pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies.

Maesgeirchen has over 4,000 inhabitants and is regarded as one of the 10% most deprived areas in Wales.

Maesgeirchen and its neighbouring communities face significant challenges regarding safety. Residents are contending with higher than average rates of crime and antisocial behavior, contributing to a sense of insecurity. Insufficient policing and a lack of community support services exacerbate these issues, making it difficult to effectively address and prevent crime in the catchment. This environment of insecurity affects the quality of life, discourages investment, and allows a cycle of deprivation to continue. Improving community safety is crucial for the well-being and development of the Cegin catchment area. It requires coordinated efforts to enhance law enforcement, community engagement, and support services.

The area has high unemployment rates and a scarcity of job opportunities, particularly in skilled and well-paying sectors. Local businesses often face economic challenges, leading to fewer available positions and limited career prospects for residents. This lack of employment opportunities contributes to widespread economic hardship and hinders the community's overall development, a cycle of poverty and limiting the potential for upward mobility for individuals and families in Maesgeirchen.

Residents face limited access to quality healthcare services, including primary care, specialised treatments, and mental health support. This lack of access contributes to higher rates of chronic illnesses, untreated medical conditions, and overall poorer health outcomes. Additionally, socio-economic factors such as unemployment and educational deprivation can worsen health issues. The community's health challenges are made worse by inadequate health education and preventive care programs, making it difficult for residents to achieve and maintain good health.

Many residents live in substandard housing conditions, facing issues such as overcrowding, poor maintenance, and a lack of modern amenities. The availability of affordable housing is limited, forcing families into inadequate or temporary accommodations. These challenging living conditions contribute to a range of social and health problems, including increased stress, illness, and difficulty in maintaining stable employment. The lack of investment in housing infrastructure exacerbates the community’s struggles, forcing many to live in poverty and limiting opportunities for improvement and growth.

A map highlighting the deprivation in relation to access to services.

A map highlighting the deprivation in relation to income.

The area struggles with limited access to quality educational resources and opportunities, leading to lower academic achievement and reduced prospects for its residents. The educational disparity contributes to a cycle of poverty and limited social mobility, making it challenging for young people in Maesgeirchen to realise their full potential.

A summary of the most recent overall deprivation map.

In the Cegin catchment area, there were 184 instances of sewage spills equivelents sewage spilled continuously for 28 days.

Click through the map to see the different pollution incidents in the area and there impact level.

The map vividly illustrates potential obstructions to fish migration within the Cegin  and Ogwen catchment area. It highlights key barriers such as weirs, dams, and other man-made structures that impede the natural movement of fish species. These obstructions can significantly disrupt aquatic ecosystems by limiting spawning grounds and access to essential habitats upstream and downstream. Addressing these barriers is crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations and preserving the ecological balance of the catchment's waterways.

The Afon Cegin, runs through a landscape characterised by a mix of natural and semi-natural habitats, including areas of woodland. Tree cover density along the Afon Cegin varies, with sections of the river flanked by dense woodland, contributing to the region's biodiversity and ecological health.

The riparian woodlands in the Cegin and its upper catchment offer substantial potential for restoration and enhancement. These areas are vital for stabilising riverbanks, filtering pollutants, and providing habitats for wildlife. The shade provided by trees helps regulate water temperature, keeping rivers cool, a crucial factor for maintaining suitable conditions for aquatic life, including fish and invertebrates. Enhancing riparian woodlands not only supports biodiversity and ecological health but also promotes climate resilience and enhances the overall environmental quality of the region.

Our Citizen Science campaign has identified species and potential restoration project in the Cegin catchment.

The survey measured a range of water quality parameters, but the focus of our analysis was on Nitrates and Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP).

Nitrates are associated with sewage and agricultural run-off and are often a good indicator of phosphorus, which is more difficult to measure quickly and precisely. Excessive Nitrates and Phosphorus can result in eutrophication and a decline in river oxygen levels. Nitrate levels exceeding 10 mg/L can be harmful to some aquatic organisms. ORP measures the ability of a river to cleanse itself or break down waste products, such as contaminants and organic matter. Low ORP can be an indicator of pollution from sewage, chemicals, or metals. As illustrated in the map below, the survey showed Nitrate concentrations increase in the Afon Cegin with distance downstream, which is a trend generally observed in rivers. Sudden increases in Nitrates were detected below sewage treatment works. A spike was recorded in the vecinity of a discharge location for a private sewage works on the Llandygai Industrial Estate, and here localised Nitrate levels exceeded the 10 mg/l threshold. The permit is registered to a short brook that enters the main Afon Cegin, and in this brook Nitrates ranged between 29 and 35 mg/L. ORP values also indicate issues at the Llandygai Industrial Estate. A dramatic drop in ORP was recorded in the vicinity of industrial discharges and drainage ditches that enter the river near the estate.