Angela Jones shares her journey from thriving entrepreneur to minimalism as she fights for river health in Wales
Usk: Angela Jones is having toast for dinner after a long day. But she’s not out for a swim or fishing; she’s busy gathering data on water pollution.
It all started seven years ago when she discovered she was swimming in contaminated water. That shocking moment pushed her to launch a campaign that has grown beyond her wildest dreams. Now, she trains volunteers along the Usk and Wye rivers in southeast Wales to collect data and report pollution.
Her team of citizen scientists checks the water every week at over 300 spots. They gather thousands of samples and share alarming results online. Angela has poured her life savings into this mission, buying top-notch gear for herself and her volunteers to take on the big polluters harming rivers and wildlife.
In 2024, their findings revealed that Welsh Water was directly polluting parts of the Usk, failing to meet regulatory standards. Welsh Water, however, points fingers at farmers for most of the pollution. Meanwhile, Angela’s wild swimming business has taken a nosedive, leaving her with little to show for her efforts.
She’s chosen a minimalistic lifestyle, saying, “I live a hugely minimalistic life now because I believe what I am doing is so important.” With 95% of her business gone, she’s now focused on river health, from testing to giving talks at schools and raising awareness in Westminster.
Angela recalls the moment that changed everything. She was swimming in the Wye when she noticed a metallic taste in the water and dying plants. After a sleepless night, she learned about combined sewer overflows and decided to educate herself scientifically to be taken seriously.
Now, she can hardly run her business in south Wales. She’s lucky to have one clean lake nearby, but most of her trips are no longer possible due to unsafe water. Despite the challenges, she’s committed to her cause, saying, “This fight is bigger than me.”
Angela has always felt a deep connection to nature. She even had her daughter christened on the summit of Snowdon, a moment she cherishes. She’s faced many challenges, including threats, but nothing will stop her from fighting for cleaner rivers.
Her children grew up in a barn she renovated, surrounded by nature. That’s where her wild swimming business began, inspired by the joy of outdoor adventures. Now, she’s known as the ‘Wild Woman of the Wye,’ using creative tactics to draw attention to her campaign.
Angela knows that change takes time. She’s seen many promises come and go, but she believes in the power of people to make a difference. “We can all do our little bit to make a difference,” she says, and she’s determined to keep fighting for the rivers she loves.