I
Ian Cloke
Guest
Fishermen back plan to protect Lakes river
By Ross Brewster
SALMON and trout fishermen are backing a project which will help protect the River Derwent in the Lake District.
The Derwent Owners Association (DOA) has handed out ?29,500 for projects aimed at helping farmers reduce sediment entering river systems.
Backing the work of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme?s river corridors group, the DOA has supported initiatives vital in the long running campaign to restore water quality.
Chairman Jack Abernethy said: ?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 the DOA.?
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.
?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.
?This very important work is happening without any cost to the farmer.
?Every penny of our contributions comes from the pockets of our members.?
By Ross Brewster
SALMON and trout fishermen are backing a project which will help protect the River Derwent in the Lake District.
The Derwent Owners Association (DOA) has handed out ?29,500 for projects aimed at helping farmers reduce sediment entering river systems.
Backing the work of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme?s river corridors group, the DOA has supported initiatives vital in the long running campaign to restore water quality.
Chairman Jack Abernethy said: ?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 the DOA.?
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.
?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.
?This very important work is happening without any cost to the farmer.
?Every penny of our contributions comes from the pockets of our members.?