The River Lugg in Herefordshire is expected to take 20 to 30 years to recover from severe ecological damage inflicted by local farmer John Price, who was jailed in 2023 for illegally removing gravel and trees from the riverbed. The river, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1995, is home to six endangered species, including the Atlantic salmon and common otter. Ecologist Richard Fishbourne highlighted the current lack of biodiversity, stating, "There's nothing in the water here now," and expressed concern over the impoverished landscape. Natural England characterized the damage as the worst case of riverside destruction they have seen. Restoration efforts are underway, with Price ordered to replant trees and restore the riverbanks under supervision from the Environment Agency and Natural England. While some signs of recovery are emerging, such as the presence of trout and kingfishers, experts stress the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure the ecosystem's health. Fishbourne emphasized that sufficient monitoring is crucial to ensure effective recovery of the river's biodiversity.