IT’S not just humans that need a place to shelter from the rigours of winter – fish do too! That’s why the Environment Agency is teaming up with local landowners to improve habitats for fish along the banks of the River Nidd, near York, North Yorkshire.
The project is taking place just downstream of Skip Bridge on the A59, where a couple of years ago the Agency modified a gauging weir to improve the passage of fish upstream.
Over many years the natural habitat has deteriorated and large sections of the riverbank are now being eroded due to lack of vegetation, mainly caused by the constant trampling of livestock.
The Agency is now looking to redress the balance by fencing off sections of the bank, planting new vegetation and creating drinking points for cattle.
Pipes in the shape of a “V” will also be installed in the river, to create extra cover for fish and invertebrates – especially from strong winter river flows.
Dave Morley, Agency Fisheries Officer, said: “This scheme will help stabilise the riverbank and prevent the river silting up. It will also improve habitats and encourage more wildlife into the area and help the fish population grow.
“Similar projects have been very successful in other areas on the Nidd, as well as on other rivers, and we expect to see similar benefits here.
“We are very grateful to the landowners for co-operation in this scheme. They will also benefit by not only seeing more wildlife on their land but a reduction in land lost to the river by erosion.”