18TH RRC ANNUAL NETWORK CONFERENCE Tweet us @The_RRC #RRCBrighton River Restoration: Addressing Uncertainty

We would like to thank the sponsors of the conference who support discounted places

[email protected] 01234 752979 www.therrc.co.uk Avon Water Barriers: supporting the return of salmon to the upper Clyde system

Salmon grilse (1SW) caught during fish rescue immediately downstream of Weir prior to commencement of works Background  Water Environment Fund – Scottish Government’s annual grant to help restore ’s water environment.

 Avon Water – largest tributary of the , but unable to support salmon recovery in the Clyde system due to two high-impact barriers to migration (weirs).

 Rivers & Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) – successful application to WEF to deliver project. The opportunity Objectives

1. To remove or ease both barriers, enabling fish to access up to 100km of upstream habitat.

2. To achieve Water Framework Directive classification upgrades (‘Good’ or better) to 5 water bodies. Location History

Extract of OS Map of Ferniegair Weir – Surveyed 1858

History

Old Photograph (around 1900) of Millheugh Bridge. Source: http://www.sorbie.net/applebank_inn.htm Ferniegair Weir Ferniegair Weir constraints Millheugh Weir Millheugh Weir constraints Fish Pass block work design

Ferniegair Weir site access

Millheugh weir site access

Ferniegair fish rescue

Water ingress/egress solution

Ferniegair Works

Ferniegair Weir fish pass

Millheugh Weir works phase

Millheugh Weir fish pass Results

 Successfully opened c.100km of upstream habitat to fish.

 Upgraded Water Framework Directive Classification of 5 water bodies to ‘Good’ status or better.

 Agreed licensing of the structures through Controlled Activities Regulations, including maintenance regime undertaken by South Council.

Lessons Learned

 Stakeholder engagement/planning consent

 CAR – early engagement

 Project scale/dry working areas

 Water ingress/egress through Ferniegair weir

 Millheugh weir fish pass defect

Thank you! 18TH RRC ANNUAL NETWORK CONFERENCE Tweet us @The_RRC #RRCBrighton River Restoration: Addressing Uncertainty

We would like to thank the sponsors of the conference who support discounted places

[email protected] 01234 752979 www.therrc.co.uk