Anglers hooked on conservation

A Lake District river system which attracts around 750 anglers a year is being protected by salmon and trout fishing enthusiasts who want the ultimate Derwent catch to be conservation.

Set up 10 years ago to improve stocks and help safeguard the environment, Derwent Owners Association (DOA) has handed out £29,500 for projects primarily aimed at helping farmers reduce sediment entering river systems.

Backing the work of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme’s river corridors group, DOA has supported initiatives vital in the long-running campaign to restore water quality.

“The deterioration of Bassenthwaite and the significant effect on the decline of salmon and sea trout fishing on the Derwent was one of the main reasons for the formation of DOA,” explained chairman Jack Abernethy.

A key aim of the restoration programme is to stop soil getting into rivers feeding into the lake because it causes major sediment problems.

Experimental pumps have also been introduced that work like a siphon to carry water from rivers to fields, where animals can drink safely.

The push to improve river bank habitats and cut erosion and sediment in rivers and lakes has found firm backing from DOA.

A BLRP survey, through the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission, has identified sites at particular risk and efforts have been concentrated on improving these areas.

“We have been happy to encourage farmers into conservation, including fencing to keep stock off riverbanks,” said Dr Abernethy.

“Grants are available for 80 per cent of the fencing costs from the Defra’s Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme. In many cases, we have been able to pay farmers the other 20 per cent.

“In other words, this very important work is happening without any cost to the farmer. Every penny of our contributions comes from the pockets of our members.”

BLRP manager John Pinder said the organisation was “indebted to the support and vision from DOA members”.

“Jack Abernethy is an invaluable member of our river corridors team and has provided an important link with the area’s anglers. Our restoration programme depends on this sort of community backing.”