Trust project looks to scale up salmon population

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has embarked on a project to restore the natural habitat of a river in the county and support the recovery of Atlantic salmon.

Working with partners including the Chatsworth Estate, which is part of the Devonshire Group, the trust is managing a new project to improve the water quality of the River Ecclesbourne, enrich the ecological status of the river and re-meander a section of the river back to its original channel.

This will bypass a weir at the site of the former Postern Mill in Turnditch and create a route for fish migration.

A tributary of the River Derwent, the Ecclesbourne rises near Wirksworth and flows southeast for approximately 18km to join the Derwent near Duffield.

The ecological status of the river is classed as “moderate” against the Water Framework Directive by the Environment Agency, due to pollution and physical barriers preventing fish movement throughout the watercourse.

A Wild Trout Trust habitat assessment reports that the river has a large amount of potential spawning habitats for Atlantic salmon, a priority conservation species, and other fish species found in the Derwent Catchment, but their movement is prevented by the presence of manmade structures.

The new project will bypass the weir and restore the river to its original course before it was diverted for milling in the 18th century, opening over 28km of river and tributaries for fish, and improving the ecological status of the river.

The excavation and construction of the new channel, due to start in autumn, will reinstate fish passage for many species, including salmon, classified as ‘vulnerable’ in Europe, and eel classified as ‘critically endangered’ globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Other species to benefit include grayling, trout, lamprey, minnow, stone loach, and bullhead.

Jennifer Kril, living rivers officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are incredibly excited to be starting this project to improve the Ecclesbourne River’s natural habitats, provide passage for a whole host of fish species, and improve its overall health.

“It also offers great opportunities for local schools and communities to get involved, learn more about their water environment and make a positive difference to wildlife.

“Getting this project to the start line has been a huge team effort and we are delighted to be working with our partners to protect this watercourse as part of our mission for nature’s recovery.”