FISH PASS & RIVER WORKS
Helping our migratory fish to complete their life cycle
We have a pro-active approach to preserving sensitive (and often protected) wildlife, flora and fauna, marine life and more.
We work closely with some of the best Ecologists and Surveyors available, as well as utilising bio-degradable hydraulic oil with our plant, ensuring minimal risk of environmental exposure.
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Our environmental works have grown to include developing, improving and rejuvenating fish passes to help fish (and other river wildlife) to migrate and complete their life cycle.
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Fish pass improvements
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River Erosion Barriers
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Weirs
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River bank strengthening/rebuilds
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Flood prevention work
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Flood plain reconnection
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Re-meandering
Our experienced work force specialise in the construction, improvement and restoration of water courses, including:
Past Projects:
BOTHAL WEIR
FISH PASS
We carry out large and small scale projects.
A project within close proximity to Lane Farm was on the River Wansbeck (Morpeth) where we removed a fish pass and weir.
We worked closely in conjunction with: Northumberland Rivers Trust, Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.
Northumberland Rivers Trust said:
"The weir has had a major impact on salmon, sea trout and eel migration for hundreds of years due to the previous fish pass not working effectively and fish being unable to find the entrance ... we are confident that this will be a major improvement to the river and the migrating fish will now pass straight through rather than being held up."
SOUTH LOW
FISH PASS
Work by the Environment Agency and Northumberland Rivers Trust at South Low, is making it easier for fish to migrate and spawn.
The stream is failing European water quality legislation due to restrictions to fish migration, with two large weirs preventing movement upstream.
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The easement of the weirs will open up 22km of watercourse for fish and make it far easier for them to travel upstream.
Peter Kerr, from Northumberland Rivers Trust, said:
“We are delighted to have been able to add these two important fish passes by working in partnership.
“The contractors, WL Straughan and Son, did an excellent job in some challenging weather conditions, including the floods following Storm Angus!
“After we completed the lower of the passes we saw some big sea trout trying to get past the upper weir, so we are confident that the lower one works well and that there are many migratory fish trying to return to the South Low."
RIVER EROSION
BARRIER
This project involved diverting the river and included the installation of a larch erosion barrier.
Rescued approx 30 fish (including salmon, brown trout and minnows) and then released them back into the river to continue their growth and onward journeys.
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Dumpy bags were used to dam the river (so that we had a dry working area) to install a natural wood erosion barrier using local larch, which is designed to remain in place for many years to come.