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THE RIBBLE RIVERS TRUST IS TO TACKLE THE WIDEST WEIR REMOVAL IN THE UK!

Samlesbury Weir – The 1st man-made barrier to migration on the River Ribble

The Ribble Rivers Trust is to eliminate another man-made barrier to fish migration in one of the UK’s widest weir removals. This project will benefit local and migratory fish species, as well as restore natural river processes.

In addition to crowd funding efforts from WWF NL, the river conservation charity has been awarded funding from the Water Environmental Grant (as part of its Ribble Life for Water project), to deliver a programme of works to ‘re-naturalise’ and improve areas like and the wider Ribble catchment.

Samlesbury Weir was constructed in the 1970s as a low flow gauging station and was de-commission in 2010. The removal of the redundant structure will allow for the 100% free movement of all fish species, many of which have high conservational interest. The remobilisation of gravels will improve the impounded reach above the weir and form key riffle features which are considered the most biodiverse areas of a river. With an increased abundance of invertebrate life, these areas will also provide optimal spawning and nursery habitat for fish, as well as areas to feed.

Adam Wheeler, Fisheries Scientist of the Ribble Rivers Trust comments - “By removing Samlesbury Weir we are making the local river a more robust and species rich area. The weir is also a known predator hotspot, excessive predation of local fish species occurs as they struggle to swim over the crest of the weir. For the migratory fish species found on our catchment, the more man-made barriers we remove the less energy is wasted trying to navigate to optimal spawning locations with a better chance of ascending natural waterfall features”

It is hoped that further funding will be secured by the Ribble Rivers Trust to continue working in the area, making improvements for wildlife and people alike.

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

The Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a local environmental charity established in 1997 to protect and restore the rivers, streams and watercourses within the Ribble catchment and to raise public awareness of the value of our local rivers and streams. The Ribble catchment is the area of land that is drained by the River Ribble and its major tributaries; the Hodder, Calder and . It covers a varied landscape, from the rural hills of the Dales and the source of the River Ribble, to major urban areas of including , and Preston. For more information please contact 01200 444452 or visit www.ribbletrust.org.uk

Water Environment Grant (WEG) is funding for organisations and land managers to improve the water environment in rural areas. The Primary outcomes are to improve designated conservation sites or protected areas, prevent or reverse waterbody deterioration, and achieve Water Framework Directive objectives. From this WEG will also deliver wider benefits for the environment and people.