Fish are flourishing in a Cumbrian river thanks to the creation of new habitats.
Environment Agency officers have installed tree roots, branches and trunks into the River Glenderamakin on channels and riverbanks.
While historically these habitats would form naturally, the repurposing of rivers and catchments for other needs means that it is less likely.
The woody debris acts as a safe haven for fish to escape predators.
Recent work to survey the effectiveness of these man-made riverside habitats found increased numbers and larger trout, salmon and eels.
Mike Farrell, fisheries project officer, said: “It’s really great to be able to deliver this practical work on the ground, which we can see first-hand is helping wildlife. We are directly improving and benefitting fish populations and nature as a whole at the same time.”
It’s not just fish making use of the habitats. Land-based and aquatic invertebrates have moved in. Meanwhile, officers even found a Roe deer at one of the sites, bedded down in the onshore vegetation.
There are added benefits to woody debris too – it helps keep the river cool; protects riverbanks from erosion; and reduces silt input.
The installation and survey work were carried out by the Environment Agency’s North Cumbria Fisheries, Geomorphology and Biodiversity team.
The work was paid for by the Fisheries Improvement Fund, which comes from rod licence revenue.
