View source for River Lugg

{{Short description|River in Powys, Wales and Herefordshire, England}}
{{distinguish|text=[[River Llugwy]], a tributary of the River Conwy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox river
| name = River Lugg
| native_name = {{native name|cy|Afon Llugwy}}
| name_other = 
| name_etymology = <!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
| image = The River Lugg at Hampton Bishop - geograph.org.uk - 156982.jpg
| image_size = 
| image_caption = The Lugg at Hampton Bishop
| map = 
| map_size = 
| map_caption = 
| pushpin_map = 
| pushpin_map_size = 
| pushpin_map_caption = <!---------------------- LOCATION -->
| subdivision_type1 = Country
| subdivision_name1 = [[Wales]], [[England]]
| subdivision_type3 = Counties
| subdivision_name3 = [[Powys]], [[Herefordshire]]
| subdivision_type5 = Settlements
| subdivision_name5 = [[Llangynllo]], [[Presteigne]], [[Leominster]], [[Hope under Dinmore]], [[Bodenham]], [[Marden, Herefordshire|Marden]], [[Lugwardine]]
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
| length_mi = 63|length_ref={{sfn |Jacklin |2015 |p=2}}
| width_min = 
| width_avg = 
| width_max = 
| depth_min = 
| depth_avg = 
| depth_max = 
| discharge1_location = 
| discharge1_min = 
| discharge1_avg = 
| discharge1_max = <!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| source1 = [[Llangynllo]]
| source1_location = [[Radnor Forest]], [[Radnorshire]], Wales
| source1_coordinates = {{coord|52|21|29|N|3|12|20|W|display=inline|name=source}}
| source1_elevation = {{convert|497|m|abbr=on}}
| mouth = [[Confluence (geography)|confluence]] with [[River Wye]]
| mouth_location = [[Mordiford]], [[Herefordshire]], England
| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|52|01|52|N|2|38|10|W|display=inline,title|name=mouth}}
| mouth_elevation = {{convert|46|m|abbr=on}}
| progression = 
| river_system = 
| basin_size = 
| tributaries_left = [[River Frome, Herefordshire|River Frome]]
| tributaries_right = [[River Arrow, Wales|River Arrow]]
}}
{{River Lugg map}}

The '''River Lugg''' ({{langx|cy|Afon Llugwy}}) [[source (river)|rises]] near [[Llangynllo]] in [[Powys]], Wales. From its source, it flows through the border town of [[Presteigne]] and then into [[Herefordshire]], England. It meets its main [[tributary]], the [[River Arrow (Wales)|River Arrow]], to the south of [[Leominster]], then flows into the [[River Wye]] downstream of [[Hereford]] at [[Mordiford]], around {{convert|63|mi}} from its source. Its name comes from a Welsh root, and means "bright stream".<ref>{{cite book|last=Ekwall|first=Eilert|title=The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names|date=1947|location=Oxford|publisher=The Clarendon Press|page=292|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.184064/page/n337/mode/2up}}</ref>

As it passes through the countryside, it is crossed by a number of bridges, many of which are [[listed building|listed structures]]. Lugg Bridge at [[Lugwardine]] and the bridge at [[Mordiford]] with its associated causeway both date from the 14th century. The river at Leominster was altered significantly in the 1960s, when it was diverted to the south and then along the course of the [[Leominster and Kington Railway]] around the northern edge of the town, as part of a flood defence scheme. In the past, it was important for milling, supplying power to nearly one third of the mills in Herefordshire at the time of the [[Domesday Book]]. There are a few mills left, and some obvious mill sites, but many of the mills below Leominster were bought up and their weirs demolished as part of a scheme to make the river navigable in the 1690s. This was not a success, as the water levels dropped creating shoals, and in the 1720s, some of the weirs were reinstated, with pound locks to enable boats to bypass them. Navigation up to Leominster was for a time possible, although it was never hugely successful, and ceased in the 1860s, once railways had been built in the area.

The river was a free navigation as a result of powers obtained in an act of Parliament, the [[Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1695]] ([[7 & 8 Will. 3]]. c. 14), but in 2002, the [[Environment Agency]] became the navigation authority following the passing of the [[Wye Navigation Order 2002]] ([[SI 2002]]/1998). This reaffirmed the right of navigation on the river, but prohibited the building of locks and weirs, and so most boating is by canoes and kayaks. The river is also used for fishing, as it has good populations of wild brown trout and grayling. Water quality of the river system is moderate, although some of its tributaries have poor water quality, and some bad. In common with many rivers, the chemical quality changed from good to fail in 2019, following the introduction of testing for chemicals not previously included in the quality assessment. The whole of the river is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]], and since 2003, a policy of building fish passes where there are weirs has led to significant improvements to the presence of migratory fish in the river.

==Course==
The River Lugg rises at two locations on Pool Hill, to the north-west of [[Llangunllo]], close to the {{convert|1600|ft|m|adj=on}} contour, and is joined by several other streams as it descends rapidly. It is crossed by the [[Heart of Wales Line]], between {{rws |Llanbister Road}} and {{rws |Llangynllo}} stations, before passing under the first of four bridges that carry the B4356 road over it. Already it has dropped below the {{convert|820|ft|m|adj=on}} contour. It turns to the east to reach Greenstreet Bridge on the B4356, and then to the south-east to pass the village of Llangunllo. Just beyond it is Llangunllo Bridge, again on the B4356.<ref name=osmap>Ordnance Survey, 1:25,000 map</ref> Mynachdy moated enclosure, a well-preserved medieval moated homestead is situated on the north bank,<ref>{{Watprn |Cadw |2597 |title=Mynachdy Moated Enclosure |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> after which the river turns to the south to pass the [[grade I listed]] Monaughty House, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is one of the oldest stone buildings in [[Radnorshire]], and renovation in the 1990s saw many of its later 19th century modifications removed.<ref>{{NHAW |num=9126 |desc=Monaughty House |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>

Next it is crossed by the A488 [[Penybont]] to [[Shrewsbury]] road, after which a tributary joins on the south bank. Castell Foel-Allt, the remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle is located on the north bank, and is a [[scheduled monument]].<ref>{{Watprn |Cadw |1924 |title=Castell Foel-Allt |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> It passes under Whitton Bridge on the B4357 road, and is joined by Cascob Brook on its south bank. Almost opposite is a short section of [[Offa's Dyke]], a long linear earthworks which roughly defined much of the border between England and Wales.<ref>{{Watprn |Cadw |744 |title=Offa's Dyke: Section from Whitton-Presteigne Road to River Lugg |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> After a fourth crossing by the B4356, it arrives on the outskirts of [[Presteigne]]. It is crossed by the narrow, single-arched Old Boultibrooke Bridge, probably dating from the 18th century, which has been bypassed by a new bridge constructed in 1932, just to its east.<ref>{{NHAW |num=8929 |desc=Old Boultibrooke Bridge |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> After it is joined by Norton Brook and the English/Welsh border, the river continues along the northern edge of Presteigne, passing the Old Mill, formerly known as New Mill House. Close by is the weir which once powered the mill.<ref>{{NHAW |num=8905 |desc=The Old Mill |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> Lugg Bridge, the first of several with this name, carries Ford Street over the river, and has three segmental arches. The basic structure dates from the 17th century, but it has been heavily modified.<ref>{{NHAW |num=8832 |desc=Lugg Bridge |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>

Continuing eastwards, the river comes to Rosser's Bridge, where the border turns to the south, and the river is wholly in Herefordshire. Hindwell Brook joins on the south bank, and the course turns to the north-east. Another tributary, Lime Brook, flows southwards to join the north bank. Just before Lyepole Bridge,<ref name=osmap/> the river passes a castle mound, which was once a motte castle, founded by Hugh Mortimer in the mid-12th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1007309 |desc=Castle mound in Camp Wood |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> As the river turns to the south-east, a large weir directs water into a mill leat, which runs on the north side of the main channel to Aymestrey Mill, a grist mill built in the 1860s. Most of the machinery is still in situ, and the wheel now powers a printing press.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1362086 |desc=Aymestrey Mill |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> The A4110 road bridge crosses the river and the mill tailrace, and as the river turns to the south, a similar weir creates a leat to the west of the river. [[Mortimer's Cross Water Mill]] is located further to the south, fed by another weir. It is {{convert|89|ft|m|0}} long and a {{convert|220|yd|m|adj=on}} leat feeds the mill, which has three sets of stones. It was a paper mill until the 1830s, and then became a grain mill. New machinery was installed in 1870 and it produced animal feed until the 1940s.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1016252 |desc=Water mills and quarry at Mortimer's Cross |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> It is unusual in that it was designed to be operated by one man. It has been restored and on days when it is open to the public, it can be seen in operation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=3497 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417220148/https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=3497 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |url-status=live |title=Mortimers Cross Water Mill |publisher=Britain Express |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>

To the south of the mill is Lugg Bridge, consisting of three arches, two spanning the river and a third spanning the mill tailrace. The north face dates from 1771, when the bridge was built, while the south face dates from 1938, when it was widened.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1301308 |desc=Lugg Bridge |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> At Lugg Green, [[Kingsland, Herefordshire|Kingsland]] is another Lugg Bridge, and after a series of weirs, the river arrives on the northern edge of [[Leominster]].<ref name=osmap/> A leat to Crowards Mill, now disconnected from the main river, was formerly the main channel of the Lugg, with much of the flow passing over a weir into the [[River Kenwater|Kenwater]]. The Lugg served Osborne Mill, Marsh Mill and a third corn mill, before rejoining the Kenwater within the town. Pinsley Brook ran through the town just to the south of Kenwater, to power Pinsley Mill, another corn mill just to the north of [[Leominster railway station]] and joined the Lugg below Eaton Bridge.<ref name="Ordnance Survey, 1:2500 map, 1903">Ordnance Survey, 1:2500 map, 1903</ref> There were once 19 bridges in Leominster, most of them crossing the Lugg, Kenwater or Pinsley Brook.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/mainmenu.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706222605/http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/mainmenu.htm |archive-date=6 July 2021 |url-status=live |title=Bridges of Leominster |publisher=Leominster Civic Society}}</ref> The river system within the town was radically reworked in the 1960s, as part of a flood alleviation scheme. The Lugg continued southwards along the course of the Kenwater, to a new weir close to the former course of the [[Leominster and Kington Railway]]. The Kenwater passed over the weir, while a new channel was cut for the Lugg, following the course of the railway. It then passed under the railway to meet the Ridgemoor Brook, and under Ridgemoor Bridge, a single span that dates from 1815 but was widened in 1940, which carries the A44 road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/ridgemoor.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183656/http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/ridgemoor.htm |archive-date=9 July 2021 |url-status=live |title=Ridgemoor Bridge |publisher=Leominster Civic Society}}</ref> Below the bridge, it is joined by Cheaton Brook, and then rejoins its original course. The Pinsley Brook was diverted into the Kenwater to the west of the town in 1968 and its original course filled in. Parts of it had been culverted some years before that.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/redcross.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184229/http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/redcross.htm |archive-date=9 July 2021 |url-status=live |title=Red Cross Bridge |publisher=Leominster Civic Society}}</ref>

The Lugg then passes under Mosaic Bridge, constructed for the A49 bypass in 1988. It takes its name from a mosaic on the southern pier which was designed by young people at the time of its construction, and has since been restored.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/mosaic.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190218/http://www.leominstercivicsociety.co.uk/bridges/mosaic.htm |archive-date=9 July 2021 |url-status=live |title=Mosaic Bridge |publisher=Leominster Civic Society}}</ref> Eaton Bridge, carrying the A44, has three arches and was built in the 16th century, with modifications made in the 18th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1270373 |desc=Bridge over River Lugg |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> Near Eaton Hall is another three-arched bridge, dating from the 19th century, where the eastern arch crosses a leat.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1255313 |desc=Bridge over River Lugg and Leat Head |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref> The river is then joined by the River Arrow on its western bank, and was crossed by the [[Worcester, Bromyard and Leominster Railway]] until it was closed in 1964. As the river passes under Ford Bridge at Ford, the B4361 road, the railway and the A49 road are squeezed into a narrow gap between it and War Hill to the west.<ref name=osmap/> The next bridge downstream is Hampton Court Bridge at [[Hope under Dinmore]], a single span which carries the A417. It may have been designed by Sir [[Jeffry Wyattville]] for the Arkwright family<ref>{{NHLE |num=1349780 |desc=Hampton Court Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> who lived at [[Hampton Court Castle|Hampton Court]], a [[grade I listed]] house built between 1427 and 1436 and modified in the 18th century. The river forms the western and southern boundaries of the associated parkland and the building was remodelled and restored by Wyattville for [[Richard Arkwright]] at that time.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1157291 |desc=Hampton Court |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The Humber Brook forms the eastern boundary of the estate, and joins the Lugg on its north bank.<ref name=osmap/>

[[File:Railway bridge over the river Lugg - geograph.org.uk - 457365.jpg|thumb|left|Railway bridge over the Lugg at the southern end of Dinmore Tunnel on the [[Welsh Marches Line]]]]
The river continues to the east and then turns to the south. At [[Bodenham]] is the single-span Bodenham Bridge, dating from 1816,<ref>{{NHLE |num=1349771 |desc=Bodenham Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> after which the river turns to the west. It is crossed by two bridges carrying the Welsh Marches Line just to the south of the [[Dinmore Tunnel|twin tunnels]] through Dinmore Hill. [[Dinmore railway station (Herefordshire)|Dinmore railway station]] was located on the north bank,<ref name=osmap/> until it closed in 1958.{{sfn |Butt |1995 |p=79}} The river crosses back under the railway a little further to the south. At [[Marden, Herefordshire|Marden]] a hump-backed bridge with four spans crosses the river. It is [[grade II* listed]] and the Ordnance Survey call it Laystone Bridge, while English Heritage call it Leystone Bridge.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1348952 |desc=Leystone Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> Wellington Brook joins on the west bank of the river, opposite the grade I listed church of St Mary, Marden, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1302203 |desc=Church of St Mary |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> As it approaches Moreton Bridge, the channel splits into two, enclosing an island, and the three-span bridge crosses both channels. It dates from the 16th or 17th century, but was altered in the mid-19th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1099255 |desc=Moreton Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The bridge is to the east of the village of [[Moreton on Lugg]]. After Wergins Bridge, Morton Brook joins on the west bank, and the river is crossed by a railway bridge carrying the [[Cotswold Line]].<ref name=osmap/>

Lugg Bridge at [[Lugwardine]] dates from the 14th century, and was repaired in 1409 and 1464. It has three arches, and was widened in the 1960s, when the south side was largely rebuilt.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1348738 |desc=Lugg Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The Little Lugg joins from the east near the bridge, which was the location of corn mills in 1903, when a structure spanned the river to the south of the bridge.<ref name="Ordnance Survey, 1:2500 map, 1903"/> A little further downstream is Lugwardine Bridge, consisting of three spans dating from the early 17th century. It was widened in 1824 and altered in the 20th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1179669 |desc=Lugwardine Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> After the [[River Frome, Herefordshire|River Frome]] joins on the east bank, the final bridge connects [[Mordiford]] on the east bank to [[Hampton Bishop]]. The bridge dates from the 14th century, and was widened in the 16th century. It consists of two main arches, through which the Lugg flows, with two flood arches and a causeway containing five more arches to the west of the main arches.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1099818 |desc=Mordiford Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The causeway was widened on the upstream side in the 20th century.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1179201 |desc=Flood arches and causeway walls to Mordiford Bridge |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> To the west of the causeway are the remains of a pound lock. The walls of the chamber survive, although they are in poor condition.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1348710 |desc=Lock on RIver Lugg |access-date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The Pentaloe Brook joins the river on its east bank just below the bridge, and then the Lugg joins the River Wye.<ref name=osmap/>

== History ==
At the time of the [[Domesday Book]], which recorded details of a survey of the land in 1086, the Lugg was an important river for milling. Some 80 mills were recorded in the county of Herefordshire, and of those, around one third were located in the valley of the Lugg, some on tributaries and others on the main river. In addition, those on the Lugg were valued considerably higher than those elsewhere, with an average value of 15 shillings and 4 pence, compared to 6 shillings and 7 pence for mills on other rivers. At that time, the hay meadows on the banks of the Lugg were the largest in the county, and the valley produced large crops of hay and corn. At least four of the sites were recorded as having fulling mills subsequently, but none were recorded when a survey of the river was made in 1697.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |pp=43,45}}

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, four [[Act of Parliament|acts of Parliament]] were passed which specifically named the River Lugg in their titles,{{sfn |Priestley |1831 |p=697}} but the middle two had the most effect on the river.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=38}} The first, the [[Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1726]] ([[13 Geo. 1]]. c. 34) ([[14 Cha. 2]]. c. ''15''), was passed on 19 May 1662, entitled ''An Act for the making navigable the Rivers Wye and Lugg, and the Rivers and Brooks running into the same, in the counties of Hereford, Gloucester and Monmouth.''{{sfn |Priestley |1831 |p=698}} Sir [[William Sandys (waterworks engineer)|William Sandys]] was appointed to carry out the work, which involved building weirs and [[flash lock]]s to maintain water levels, but his previous experience on the [[River Avon, Warwickshire|Warwickshire Avon]] did not fit the Wye, which was a much steeper and faster-flowing river, and the work was abandoned by about 1668, before any work had been started on the Lugg.{{sfn |Cohen |1956 |p=89}}

The second act of Parliament was obtained on 17 March 1695, the [[Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1695]] ([[7 & 8 Will. 3]]. c. 14), entitled ''An Act for making navigable the Rivers of Wye and Lugg, in the county of Hereford.''{{sfn |Priestley |1831 |pp=697-698}} One important effect of this act was that it re-established both rivers as free navigations, for it contained the clause:
<blockquote>Therefore be it enacted that the rivers Wye and Lugg may be henceforth accounted, deemed and taken to be free and common rivers for all to make use of for carrying and conveying of all passenger goods, wares and commodities by boats, barges, lighters and other vessels whatsoever.{{sfn |Cohen |1956 |p=90}}</blockquote>

On many of Britain's lowland rivers, there was an uneasy relationship between use of the water for milling, which required weirs to be built, and navigation, which required freedom of movement along the waterway. The Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1695 took a radical approach, allowing the weirs to be bought and demolished, with funding for the purchases to be raised by a rate on the county of Herefordshire. On the Wye, some of the weirs were associated with fishing, but on the Lugg, all of them were connected with milling. Details of them have survived, because a comprehensive survey was carried out by an anonymous author, thought to be Daniel Dennell, who had previously worked on the [[Exeter Canal]], and Dennell's document was acquired by the [[British Museum]] in 1856. The survey listed ten mills between Lugg Bridge, Leominster and the junction with the Wye, but this was probably the number of wheels or pairs of millstones, rather than the number of buildings where milling occurred. The annual value of each mill was to be established, and the price to buy the mill and weir was then fixed at 16 times that value.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |pp=37,42-43}}

It is not clear exactly what work was done, since the relevant sheets from the accounts are missing, but a lot of money was spent. Locks may have been put into some of the weirs; this was certainly true at Tidnor, and may have also been the case at the confluence with the Wye, at Mordiford, Hampton Court, and some other sites. Several bridges were altered, by breaking one of the arches and constructing a timber drawbridge or later a raised arch. Overall, the policy of removing the weirs was not a success, as it meant that water levels dropped significantly, and navigation was hindered by shoals, which prevented boats from passing.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=84}} A third act of Parliament, the [[Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1726]] ([[13 Geo. 1]]. c. 34) was obtained on 15 May 1727,{{sfn |Priestley |1831 |p=697}} which openly stated that destroying the weirs had been a mistake, and allowed the trustees to reinstate them, with associated locks. Neither the minutes nor the accounts for this phase of the work have survived.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=84}}

Thomas Chinn, a millwright from Tewkesbury,{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=87}} was employed to build locks around 1748, after money was raised by subscriptions in Leominster.{{sfn |Hadfield |1967 |p=186}} He was later indicted for building locks against four bridges, but this charge may have been malicious. When the case was heard, he was only fined sixpence for each bridge and was not required to remove the locks.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=85}} There are known to have been locks at twelve sites between Leominster and the Wye, at Volca Meadow, Ford Bridge, Hampton Court, Bodenham Mill, Kings Mill, Moreton Bridge, Wergins Bridge, Sherwick Mill, Lugg Bridge, Tidnor, Mordiford and the confluence.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=87}} Some of these may have been half locks or flash locks, but some were definitely [[pound lock]]s with two sets of gates, and of the three locks still in existence in 1906, both Tidnor and Mordiford were pound locks, but no clear evidence for a second set of gates at Lugg Bridge has been found.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |p=88}} Barges on the river were hauled by teams of men. A fourth act of Parliament was obtained, the [[Wye and Lugg Navigation and Horse Towing-path Act 1809]] ([[49 Geo. 3]]. c. lxxviii), to allow horse towing paths to be constructed on the Wye and the Lugg, but there is no evidence that such a path was ever started on the Lugg.{{sfn |Brian |1994 |pp=90-91}}

The arrival of railways in the area in the 1850s led to the winding up of the Wye and Lugg Towing Path Company, and use of both the Lugg and the Wye for navigation ceased soon afterwards. Some traffic may have used the lower {{convert|5|mi|km|0}} of the Lugg up to Lugg Bridge until about 1860.{{sfn |Paget-Tomlinson |2006 |p=206}}

As a result of the Rivers Wye and Lugg Navigation Act 1695, the Lugg was a free navigation, but in 1995 the [[National Rivers Authority]] sought to apply bylaws to both the Wye and the Lugg. Their case was taken to the High Court, and was continued by the [[Environment Agency]], which superseded the National Rivers Authority later that year. This action eventually led to the granting of the [[Wye Navigation Order 2002]] ([[SI 2002]]/1998), which reaffirmed the right of navigation on both rivers, appointed the Environment Agency as the [[navigation authority]] for the rivers, but prohibited the construction of weirs and locks. Most use of the river is now by canoes and kayaks,{{sfn |Cumberlidge |2009 |pp=339-340}} although it is still sometimes used by small boats but can be very dangerous when in flood. In February 2020, it was one of several rivers with severe flood warnings following the impact of [[Storm Dennis]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51541282 |title=Storm Dennis: Fears for Severn towns amid fresh flood warnings |work=BBC News |date=18 February 2020 |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/regional-news/live-updates-herefordshire-worcestershire-flood-3859092 |title=Severe flood alerts in Monmouthshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire as waters rise along River Wye, Lugg and Severn |work=Gloucestershire Live |date=18 February 2020 |access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>

== Recreation ==
The river is popular with canoeists who have undisputed rights of navigation. However travelling from Leominster to Hereford is challenged by numerous fallen trees obstructing the river.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Carmelo |title=Calls for dredging to prevent flooding in Herefordshire |work=Hereford Times |url=https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18595759.calls-dredging-prevent-flooding-herefordshire/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722012401/https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18595759.calls-dredging-prevent-flooding-herefordshire/ |archive-date=22 July 2020 |url-status=live |date=21 July 2020 |access-date=28 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=UK Rivers website |url=http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/lugg.htm |access-date=28 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017045743/http://ukriversguidebook.co.uk/lugg.htm |archive-date=17 October 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is a good fishing river, with populations of wild brown trout and grayling.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lugg and Arrow |publisher=Fishing Passport |url=https://www.fishingpassport.co.uk/fishing/lugg-and-arrow |access-date=5 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924122002/https://www.fishingpassport.co.uk/fishing/lugg-and-arrow |archive-date=24 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=David Lyon |title=Fly fishing |url=http://www.dwlyon.com/Fishing/fly_riverlugg.aspx |year=2003 |access-date=28 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927154654/http://www.dwlyon.com/Fishing/fly_riverlugg.aspx |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref>

==Environment==
The Environment Agency measure the water quality of the river systems in England. Each is given an overall ecological status, which may be one of five levels: high, good, moderate, poor and bad. There are several components that are used to determine this, including biological status, which looks at the quantity and varieties of [[invertebrate]]s, [[angiosperm]]s and fish. Chemical status, which compares the concentrations of various chemicals against known safe concentrations, is rated good or fail.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/help/glossary |website=Catchment Data Explorer |title=Glossary (see Biological quality element; Chemical status; and Ecological status) |publisher=Environment Agency |access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref> Equivalent data for the Welsh section is not readily available.

The water quality of the River Lugg system was as follows in 2019.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Section !! Ecological Status !! Chemical Status !! Length !! Catchment !! Channel
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Hindwell Bk - conf Knobley Bk to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055041930 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|9.2|mi}}
| {{convert|8.53|sqmi}}
|
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Lime Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055042060 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_good}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}}  
| {{convert|8.4|mi}}
| {{convert|9.22|sqmi}}
|
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Pinsley Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055041940 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_poor}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|7.0|mi}}
| {{convert|8.86|sqmi}}
|
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Ridgemoor Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055042000 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|7.1|mi}}
| {{convert|13.46|sqmi}}
|
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Cheaton Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055041950 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_poor}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|7.8|mi}}
| {{convert|15.21|sqmi}}
|
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Lugg - conf Norton Bk to conf R Arrow |asset=GB109055042030 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|27.8|mi}}
| {{convert|26.09|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Arrow - conf Gilwern Bk to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055041840 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|24.4|mi}}
| {{convert|27.32|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Humber Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055036771 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|11.0|mi}}
| {{convert|14.95|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Bodenham Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055036740 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_bad}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|1.3|mi}}
| {{convert|3.91|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Wellington Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055036750 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_poor}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|6.7|mi}}
| {{convert|11.42|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Moreton Bk - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055037180 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_bad}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|5.1|mi}}
| {{convert|8.09|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Little Lugg - source to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055036720 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}}  
| {{convert|9.3|mi}}
| {{convert|12.27|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Frome - conf Tedstone Bk to conf R Lugg |asset=GB109055036780 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}}  
| {{convert|18.2|mi}}
| {{convert|25.90|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Pentaloe Bk - source to conf R Wye |asset=GB109055036670 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_poor}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|2.4|mi}}
| {{convert|4.51|sqmi}}
| 
|-
| {{waterqual_title |desc=Lugg - conf R Arrow to conf R Wye |asset=GB109055036790 |accessdate=5 July 2021}} 
| {{waterqual_mod}} 
| {{waterqual_fail}} 
| {{convert|27.1|mi}}
| {{convert|35.26|sqmi}}
| 
|}

Like most rivers in the UK, the chemical status changed from good to fail in 2019, due to the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and mercury compounds, none of which had previously been included in the assessment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/help/usage#chemical-status |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314040920/https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/help/usage#chemical-status |archive-date=14 March 2024 |url-status=live |title=Chemical Status |publisher=Environment Agency |year=2023}}</ref>

From its source to its mouth, the entire length of the river has been a designated [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSI) since 2 February 1995. It received the designation because it was one of the best examples of a clay river, with its chemistry changing from nutrient-poor in the upper reaches to naturally nutrient-rich in the lower reaches. As well as supporting several rare plant communities and otters, it also provides habitat for [[Atlantic stream crayfish]], [[Atlantic Salmon]], [[European bullhead|Bullhead]] and [[Twait shad|Twaite Shad]]. Below Eaton, the river is a designated [[Special Area of Conservation]] (SAC).{{sfn |Jacklin |2015 |p=2}} During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a sharp drop in the number of migrating salmon on the river, as access was impeded by weirs. From 2003, a number of fish passes were constructed at these locations, and a survey in 2013 found that numbers of salmon in the river and in the tributary [[River Arrow, Wales|River Arrow]] had increased dramatically. The survey also found that brown trout had benefitted from the improvements, as their numbers had also increased. Some of the work was funded by the Lugg and Arrow Fisheries Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-24738260 |title=Salmon numbers rise in river Wye tributaries Lugg and Arrow |publisher=BBC News |date=30 October 2013}}</ref>

The Eaton Angling Club, which was established in 1877, manages the fishing rights on {{convert|1.2|mi|km|0}} of the river near Eaton Hall. Every year since 1955, they had stocked the river with 500 to 600 rainbow trout, but in 2009, some of their stocking was with triploid brown trout, infertile females which cannot inter-breed with the wild trout. Because of the conservation status of the river, and guided by the Environment Agency's ''National Trout and Grayling Fisheries Strategy'', they have reduced the levels of stocking, which still include some triploid brown trout.{{sfn |Jacklin |2015 |p=3}} Research on similar rivers has shown that reducing the levels of restocking can have a disproportionate benefit for the native populations of both brown trout and grayling, and the club are monitoring catch data to see if this is the case on the Lugg.{{sfn |Jacklin |2015 |pp=21-22}} A survey by the Trout Trust identified the bridge at Eaton as a problem for migrating fish, as there is a weir which forms part of the bridge footings. While salmon and larger trout can easily negotiate the flume that this creates, it acts as a barrier to smaller fish, grayling and eels, and they recommended that some remedial action should be taken.{{sfn |Jacklin |2015 |pp=3-4}}

Construction of a Larinier fish pass at Ballsgate Weir, near Aymestrey, was expected to be completed in autumn 2019, but work was delayed by high water levels in the river throughout the winter from September onwards. The need for the fish pass was shown by fish surveys carried out above and below the weir, which showed that while plenty of salmon spawned below the weir, very few succeeded in getting further upstream. The fish pass was completed by the Wye and Usk Foundation in September 2020, and was funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The weir was the last major obstacle on the river for migrating salmon, and opens up miles of spawning grounds further upstream, in addition to making it easier for other species to move up and down the river.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/new-lugg-fish-pass-opens |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410181840/https://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/news/new-lugg-fish-pass-opens |archive-date=10 April 2021 |url-status=live |title=New River Lugg Fish Pass Opens |publisher=Wye and Urk Foundation |date=14 September 2020}}</ref>

== 2020 and 2021 illegal damage ==
In November/December 2020, damage was done to a {{convert|1.5|mile|km|adj=on}} stretch of the riverbank near [[Kingsland, Herefordshire|Kingsland]] in Herefordshire.{{efn|The affected riverbank runs west from the bridge at {{Coord|52.25441|-2.80907|type:landmark_region:GB|name=Kingsland Bridge}}, on the north side of the river.}} The damaged area, which was part of the [[SSSI]], was home to protected wildlife including crayfish, otters, salmon, and lampreys. It was discovered that trees had been felled, river-bed gravel removed, the meanders straightened, and all vegetation in the area had been dug up by bulldozer, without permission, leaving the riverbank devastated.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18920990.environment-agency-launch-probe-river-lugg-destruction/|title=Environment Agency launch probe into river Lugg destruction|date=4 December 2020|author=James Thomas|website=Hereford Times|access-date=4 December 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC-55193809">{{cite web |title=Protected River Lugg was 'bulldozed' in 'wildlife crime' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-55193809 |website=BBC News |date=4 December 2020}}</ref>

A lawyer for [[Salmon and Trout Conservation]], who is also a local resident, said:<ref name="Laville">{{cite news |last1=Laville |first1=Sandra |title=Police move in after Herefordshire river bulldozed and straightened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/04/police-move-in-after-herefordshire-river-bulldozed-and-straightened |access-date=4 December 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=4 December 2020 }}</ref>

{{blockquote|"This is one of the most egregious acts of ecological vandalism that I have seen in 25 years of working on rivers in the UK"}}

The [[Environment Agency]], [[Natural England]] and the [[Forestry Commission]] interrupted the work, preventing further damage. [[Herefordshire Wildlife Trust]] said the changes would have "huge repercussions for wildlife downstream" and urged that the landowner responsible be prosecuted.<ref name="Laville" /><ref name="BBC-55193809" /> John Price, the landowner, has stated that he was acting legally, and had been asked to carry out the work to prevent flooding of nearby homes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18933204.river-lugg-farmer-says-will-pull-authorities-apart-taken-court/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113164848/https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/18933204.river-lugg-farmer-says-will-pull-authorities-apart-taken-court/ |archive-date=13 January 2021 |url-status=live |title=River Lugg: Farmer says he will 'pull the authorities apart' if taken to court |work=Hereford Times |first=Carmelo |last=Garcia |date=10 December 2020}}</ref> Further damage was done in December 2021.<ref name="theguardian.com">{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=Landowner facing legal action over 'decimation' of Herefordshire river |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/09/landowner-facing-legal-action-over-decimation-of-herefordshire-river |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2022, [[Environment Agency|the Environment Agency]] and [[Natural England]] launched legal proceedings against the landowner, following an investigation.<ref name="theguardian.com"/> John Price, the landowner, was ordered to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court in May 2022. He admitted seven charges relating to the dumping of materials, modifying the watercourse and natural features, using vehicles to disturb species of interest, and destroying flora and fauna, river habitats and fish populations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-09 |title=Landowner charged over River Lugg damage in Herefordshire |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-60677143 |access-date=2022-03-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Natural England and Environment Agency launch joint legal action in response to River Lugg damage |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/natural-england-and-environment-agency-launch-joint-legal-action-in-response-to-river-lugg-damage |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=GOV.UK }}</ref>

In April 2023, Price was jailed for twelve months and ordered to pay a total of over £1.2million in court costs and for the restoration of the affected stretch of river.<ref name="BBC-65339969">{{cite news |title=Farmer jailed for 'ecological vandalism' of River Lugg in Herefordshire |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-65339969 |access-date=21 April 2023 |work=BBC News |date=20 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="Grierson">{{cite news |last1=Grierson |first1=Jamie |title=Farmer jailed for 12 months for damaging Herefordshire river |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/farmer-jailed-for-damaging-river-lugg-herefordshire |access-date=21 April 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=21 April 2023}}</ref> His sentence was reduced to 10 months on appeal, and he served 3 months before being released in July 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Farmer who damaged River Lugg released from prison after three months |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-66156833 |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=BBC News |date=10 July 2023}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=“The decimation of this section of the River Lugg has been devastating to the local environment and to local people, destroying the habitats of iconic wildlife such as otters, kingfisher and salmon. It was heartbreaking to see this beautiful riverside illegally damaged.”|author=Oliver Harmar|title=Chief Operating Officer at [[Natural England]]|source=}}

== Notes ==
{{GeoGroup}}

{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Cite book
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  |archive-date=11 July 2021 |url-status=live
  |first=Anthea |last=Brian
  |title=As to the Lugg: its vanished mills, broken weirs and damaged bridges
  |publisher=Woolhope Naturalists Field Club
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  |year=1994
 }}
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*{{Cite web
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*{{cite web
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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|River Lugg}}
* [http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/sssi/unitlist.cfm?sssi_id=1006616 River Lugg SSSIs]
* [https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=5974832 Photos of the River Lugg on geograph.org.uk]

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lugg}}
[[Category:Rivers of Herefordshire]]
[[Category:Rivers of Powys]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Herefordshire|River Lugg]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Radnor|River Lugg]]
[[Category:River navigations in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Wye catchment|1Lugg]]