Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Habitat Review and Improvement Plan

Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie

Habitat Review and Improvement Plan

M. Walters 1 and R. Laughton 2

1 = Moray Firth Sea Trout Project, Logie Steading, Dunphail, Morayshire IV36 2ON

2 = Spey Foundation, 1 Nether Borlum Cottage, Knockando, Morayshire, AB38 7SD

Spey Foundation Report 04/11

Prepared for

Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust

Logie Steading, Dumphail

Morayshire, IV36 2QN.

March 2011

This survey was funded by

Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Habitat Review and Improvement Plan

M. Walters 1 and R. Laughton 2

1 = Moray Firth Sea Trout Project, Logie Steading, Dunphail, Morayshire IV36 2ON

2 = Spey Foundation, 1 Nether Borlum Cottage, Knockando, Morayshire, AB38 7SD

Spey Foundation Report 04/11

Background

The following report was prepared to summarize issues and problem areas regarding fish habitat and fish access within the Rivers Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie. Initially a walk over survey was proposed to identify problems with habitat however it was clear after some enquiries that a wealth of habitat data had already been collected and reported Adderton 1998; Mackay 2000, Walker 2010a Walker 2010b). This information combined with additional spot surveys was used to compile the following report. The report is intended to be a working document and will be added to and revised in the future. Meantime it will allow targets for remedial action to be identified. These can then be costed and bids to relevant funders prepared. The project was completed using funds from RAFTS and Scottish Government.

1. River Findhorn habitat review and improvement plan

Upper Findhorn tributaries Issue 1: Lank of bank side cover and vegetation along upper catchment tributaries Action : Raise awareness among relevant landowners of the benefits of native deciduous trees in the riparian zone of tributaries. Encourage the adoption of environmental land management reviews perhaps looking to other local estates for ideas and potential models. Raise awareness of potential funding through SRDP.

Allt na Frithe Burn

Issue 2: Fish access up the Allt na Frithe Fish access up the Allt na Frithe is limited by many mad made weirs but 2 in particular could limit upstream fish migration. Also the tunnel where the Allt na Frithe crosses under the A9 is entirely concrete and passage of fish may be limited by lack of depth. There are also degraded gabion baskets that could cause potential problems. Action: Assess barriers and determine appropriate remedial action if necessary

Issue 3: Cooling water discharge from Tomatin Distillery The cooling water from Tomatin distillery is significantly warmer than the ambient temperature and could be having a detrimental impact on fish populations. Action: Discussion with Tomatin Distillery and SEPA to determine what remedial action necessary.

Mazeran Burn Issue 4: Bank erosion of Mazeran burn by livestock The Mazeran burn is extensively eroded in places by grazing livestock which has resulted in bank degradation. Action: Assessment of current situation and if necessary awareness raising and negotiation with local landowners to identify remedial action eg fencing and planting.

Kyllachy Burn Issue5: Bank erosion of Kyllachy burn by livestock The Kyllachy burn is extensively eroded in unfenced areas of conifer plantation places by grazing livestock which has resulted in bank degradation. Action: Assessment of current situation and if necessary awareness raising and negotiation with local landowners to identify remedial action eg fencing and planting.

Funtack Burn Issue 6: Dredging of Funtack Burn Dredging of Funtack Burn to maintain bankside revetments could be having severe detrimental impact on fish populations. Action: Assessment of current situation and if necessary make local landowners aware that not only is detrimental to the fish in the river but it is also illegal to dredge or carry out any other modification in the river or tributaries without a Controlled Activities Licence (CAR) from SEPA or remaining within General Binding Rules (GBR). For more information go to http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_regulation.aspx .

Issue7: Funtrack Burn straightened featureless channel Long straightened sections of channel with limited instream habitat and banks side cover Action: Potential for habitat improvement through fencing and instream restoration techniques.

Moy Burn Issue8: Erosion of Moy Burn banks Erosion of Moy Burn banks potentially by sheep grazing Action: Assessment of current situation and if necessary awareness raising and negotiation with local landowners to identify remedial action eg fencing and planting.

Issue 9: Moy Burn straightened featureless channel Long straightened sections of channel with limited instream habitat and banks side cover Action: Assess otential for habitat improvement through fencing and instream restoration techniques.

Little Berry Burn Issue 10: Windfarm development on Berry Burn Wind farm development in catchment?? Dallas Broughty Action: Monitor development of wind farm and take part in EIA process.

Issue11: Weir at Dallas Broughty on Little Berry Burn Weir in Dallas Broughty potentially limiting fish access Action: Assessment of weir and remedial action to ensure fish access if necessary.

Bogeney Burn Issue12: Conifer plantation on Bogeney burn The local estate (Dunphail Estate) is undergoing an extensive review of landuse and carrying out various environmental improvement schemes. As part of their forestry review which is being conducted by Steve Connolly from Cawdor Estates there is potential to have the forestry along the Bogeney Burn improved through the provision of adequate buffer strips and planting of native trees in the riparian zone.

Action: Begin dialogue with estate factor, David Smart, and other relevant parties to include appropriate actions in management plan towards benefit of fish populations in the Bgeney Burn. Possible targets include the felling of a Sitka Spruce plantation, protection of riparian zone and if possible planting of broad leaf native species.

Issue Action

Urgency Likely Cost Effort required Priority Lank of bank side cover and Awareness raising with local 4 1 2 7 vegetation along upper landowners to encourage land use catchment tributaries management reviews. Fish access up the Allt na Frithe Assesment of bridge apron 4 5 4 13 Cooling water discharge from Assessment of potential impacts 4 2 4 10 Tomatin Distillery and negotiate solution Bank erosion of Mazeran burn Assesment of situation and 3 3 2 8 by livestock negotiating remedial action Bank erosion of Kyllachy burn by Assesment of situation and 3 3 2 8 livestock negotiating remedial action Dredging of Funtack Burn Raise awareness of issue with 2 2 3 7 relevant landowner Erosion of Moy Burn banks Assesment of situation and 3 3 2 8 negotiating remedial action Moy Burn straightened Assess potential for habitat 3 4 4 11 featureless channel restoration project Windfarm development on Liase with developers and ensure 2 2 2 6 Berry Burn EIA applied Weir at Dallas Broughty on Little Conduct assessment and determine 2 3 4 9 Berry Burn remedial action Conifer plantation on Bogeney Liase with local landowner to 2 2 2 6 burn include appropriate action in Estate land use management plan

Urgency: 1= Very Urgent , 2= Urgent, 3= Soon, 4= Not urgent, 5= consider if necessary Cost: 1= Free , 2= Low cost , 3= Moderate Cost , 4= High Cost , 5 = Very high cost Effort: 1= No effort, 2= Low effort, 3= Moderate effort, 4= High effort, 5= Very high effort Priority: = sum of other four categories to give some idea of deliverability.

2. River Nairn habitat review and improvement plan.

Summary of Habitat Report by Mackay (2000)

Entire Catchement

Issue 1: Invasive Non Native Species through catchment Significant areas of the River Nairn catchment are severely impacted by large areas of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) including Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, American Signal Crayfish. These species severely limit biodiversity and are very destructive to the catchment and fish populations. Action: The INNS should be targeted through a catchment wide coordinated approach to management and eradication. This will likely require a specific project and funding over 3+ years to produce a successful result.

Upper Nairn (E263400 N823600 to E268500 N835100 Upstream of Aberarder Falls considered inaccessible due to impassable falls (E263400, N823700).

This section suffers from siltation problems limiting salmonid habitat and productivity. The sediment is likely from a combination of specific erosion sites and bank side erosion as result of grazing. The section is generally degraded with dilapidated fencing heavy grazing and bank side trampling combined with localised poor forestry.

Issue 2: - Erosion downstream of Aberarder Falls Heavy erosion just down stream of Aberarder Falls (E263400, N823700) is a potential source of fine material into the river which could result in silting up of spawning gravel and destabilising the river bed downstream. Action: conduct detailed assessment of erosion and landslip to determine necessary remedial action. There is a potential need for bank reinforcement, fencing and tree planting.

Issue3: Dredging and straightening of upper catchment Near where the Flichity Burn joins the River Nairn a local farmer has carried dredging of the bed pulling potential spawning gravel onto the banks. Action: Local farmers and landowners should be made aware that not only is detrimental to the fish in the river but it is also illegal to dredge or carry out any other modification in the river or tributaries without a Controlled Activities Licence (CAR) from SEPA or remaining within General Binding Rules (GBR). For more information go to http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/water_regulation.aspx .

Issue 4: - Man made revetments and poor fencing by landowners downstream of Aberarder Falls The upper section of the River Nairn in the region of Aberarder and Strathnairn generally has good fry and spawning habitat but a lack of larger stones and boulders likely limits habitat for larger fish. The river meanders between man made revetments constructed from river bed material and there are signs of livestock grazing the banks where fences have broken down resulting in limited bankside vegetation and cover. Action: Awareness raising with local landowners to highlight that dredging the river for reinforcement of revetments is illegal without SEPA CAR licence and is detrimental to fish habitat. Also of the need to maintain fences to limit grazing of the banks and to ensure fences and stock gates do not result in river blockages stopping the passage of migratory fish.

Issue 5:- Sedimentation of the river bed in the Strathdearn River Brin mouth area. The river bed is extensively silted in this slow flowing section and is likely limiting salmonid habitat. The source of the silt is likely the erosion at Aberarder and potential from the River Brin. Action: Determine the source of the sediment and determine potential remedial action.

Issue 6: - Bankside habitat degradation in the lower Strathdearn area (E266150 N828900 to E268500 N835100) This whole section of river is suffereing form poor landuse practises and neglect. Lack of livestock fencing has resulted severe erosion and trampling of banks, leaving no vegetation and no cover. Of particular is the sever degradation between the woods at Druim Dubh (E268600 N835250) and Lower Farr (E268500 N834750). Afforestation and agricultural erosion have left this section severly limited in productivity for salmoniids or inverts. Action: Assessment of the current state of fencing and bank side land use and if necessary communication and negotiation with local landowner to begin remedial action plan. Potential solutions could include fencing combined with bank side planting and provision of necessary buffer strip from grazing and forestry.

Mid River Nairn (E268600 N835250 to E275900 N844800) This section of the river is generally in good condition as result of good bank side vegetation protected by an adequate buffer zone and effective fencing. There is good in stream flow and varied habitat for a spawning, fry and parr. There is a potential issue in the lower section with sand deposition in the larger pools.

Issue 7: - The Midlairgs Burn is a potential source of sand deposition. (E270850 N837750) The only highlighted concern in this section is a potential source of sand siltation that needs to be investigated. Action: Carry out on site investigation of Midlairgs Burn to determine if it is depositing excessive sand and if so what is the cause and remedial action.

Issue 8: - Sand deposition in the larger pools of the Mid Nairn (E271500 N838100 to E275900 N844800). Some of the larger pools especially in the lower half of this section contain substantial deposits of sand that could limit carrying capacity of larger salmoniids and destabilise the river bed. The source of this sand may be the large local forestry, the erosion at Aberarder and agricultural erosion. Action: Determine scale of problem and potential solution if necessary

Lower River Nairn (E276400 N844900 to E280300 N848200) As far downstream as Cantray this section of the Nairn is in very good condition. Meandering through agricultural land the river consists of deep glide and riffle sequences. The banks have been well protected by buffer strips containing mature vegetation which help to provide natural cover. The only concern in this section is the impact of flash floods on the spawning gravels and redds. Below Cantray the main issue is severe erosion of the soft sand banks in the conifer woodland.

Issue 9: - Impact of flash floods on spawning redds The good quality spawning habitat in the lower Nairn might be undermined by flash flood events which can flush out redds. The Nairn is not naturally a flash flood river and these events are likely as result of tree planting in the upper catchment. Action: An assessment of the severity of these floods and the resulting damage should be made and if necessary the management of upland forestry in the catchment considered for potential improvement.

Issue 10: - Erosion downstream of Cantray (E280750 N848300 to E288600 N855700) The dominant problem below Cantray is the erosion of soft sandy banks in the conifer forest as result of the dynamic and mobile nature of the river in this area. The Nairn AA has installed croys to reduce this erosion but it still continues downstream. Historical gravel extraction at in the Kildrummie area has exacerbated this problem and is further exacerbated by unhindered grazing of livestock. Action: This is a natural process and should be allowed to occur naturally as it increases habit apart from where emergency protection of structures or land is required. If necessary the identification of suitable bank stabilisation methods that could be deployed to reduce erosion.

River Brin (E266190 N826050 to E266350 N828600) The river Brin is medium sized river in the upper Nairn. It is contained by historical revetments in its lower reaches but has excellent nursery and spawning habitat towards the bottom and parr habitat further up. The only limitation to productivity will be low summer flows and although openly grazed the banks have not become eroded. However more vegetation along its banks could increase productivity. Issue 12: - Acidification and sediment from forested feeder burn. The only issue identified was a potential source of acidification and sedimentation from one of the feeder burns that drains through forestry. Action: This burn needs to be identified and the problem assessed of remedial action is required

River Farnack (E269600 N831100 to E268650 N834600) The River Farnack is the largest of the Nairn’s tributries and is fully accessible to salmoniids.It has some excellent spawning grounds especially for salmon at Inverarnie and has good parr habita especially for salmon. The river is generally well wooded with deciduous trees and protected by fences from grazers. Issue 10: - Coniferous forestry on the lower Farnack. Just before the Farnack enters the Nairn coniferous forestry dominates the right bank and has resulted in straightening and siltation of the channel. Action: The status of this forestry should be assessed and if necessary remedial action negotiated to clear a buffer strip and minimise drainage into the burn.

The Uisge Dubn (E271750 N830900 to E269700 N831100) and Allt Beag (E269759 N8300500 toE269650 N830900) Burns These two burns are the main feeders for the River Farnack. Both have some good parr habitat although access on Uisge Dubh is limited by a waterfall after 1.6miles. Issue 13: Intensive conifer plantations on the Uisge Dubh The Uisge Dudh runs through extensive commercial forestry and is vulnerable to the associated siltation, acidification and shading. Action: The status of this forestry should be assessed and if necessary remedial action negotiated to clear a buffer strip and minimise drainage into the burn.

Sand Quarry Burn (E270900 N836900 to E271100 N837200) Issue14: Sand input from quarry and impassable apron. There is a potential issue with sand input to the Nairn via the Sand Quarry Burn which drains into the Midlairgs Burn. The settlement channels have previously been found to be insufficient. Furthermore the bridge apron for the quarry entrance road was impassable upstream. Action: An assessment should be made to see if sediment outputs are contained by adequate settlement channels and the bridge apron needs to be assessed for salmoniids access.

Cawdor Burn and tributaries (E284650 N849525 to E2844450 N851050) The Cawdor is one of the most important feeder burns to the Nairn and although only 1.1 miles long it is the result of the confluence of the Riereach and the Allt Dearg. The Cawdor is a very important spawning resource for salmon and sea trout and there is good parr habitat despite flood defence revetments. Issue 15: Impassable weir and falls A weir and waterfall on the Cawdor Burn is a potential barrier to the upward migration of fish. It is unclear if the waterfall would have been passable before the addition of the weir. Action: Assessment of the weir and if necessary negations with the relevant distillery to enable salmoniids upstream access. Issue 16: Coniferous plantations dominate the lower Cawdor and have resulted in shading of the burn limiting productivity. Action: The status of this forestry should be assessed and if necessary remedial action negotiated to clear a buffer strip and minimise drainage into the burn.

Riereach Burn (E284810 N846410 to E284650 N849500) This tributary of the Cawdor burn has excellent potential habitat for juvenile salmon but access is limited by the weir and waterfall on the Cawdor. Furthermore there are many barriers on the Riereach that further limit access. As result it is likely the burn is mainly used by trout. Issue 17: Coniferous Plantations on Rierach Below open moorland much of the burn is dominated by coniferous plantations resulting in shading of the burn and limiting productivity. Action: The status of this forestry should be assessed and if necessary remedial action negotiated to clear a buffer strip and minimise drainage into the burn. Cemetry burn Issue18: Straightened featureless channel A straightened lowland Burn on the South Side of Nairn that surveys have shown contains juvenile salmoniids. Action: Consider potential restoration action to increase variability of in stream habitat and bankside cover, bearing in mind the low gradient and agricultural land use in the vicinity.

Loch Duntelchaig System Issue 19: Access to the Loch and is feeder tributaries limited The Loch is dammed as a water supply by Scottish Water and there are some potential issues with salmoniids access to the Loch and its feeder burns Action: Assessment of the various fish pass should be made and to determine problems and potential solutions. Upstream habitat assessments should be carried out to quantify the area of suitable habitat that could be made accessible.

Issue Action Urgency Likely Cost Effort required Priority Invasive Non Native Species Coordinated catchment scale project 1 5 5 11 removal Erosion downstream of Aberarder Site assessment and determine 4 3 3 10 Falls remedial action Dredging and straightening in Education and awareness raising of 2 2 2 6 upper catchment local landowners and farmers Man made revetments and poor Education and awareness raising of 2 2 2 6 fencing in upper catchment local landowners and farmers Sedimentation of the river bed in Assess source of sediment and 3 4 4 11 the Strathdearn River Brin area determine remedial action Bankside habitat degradation in Awareness raising of local 2 2 2 6 the lower Strathdearn area landowners and farmers. The Midlairgs Burn is a potential Assess source and determine 4 3 3 10 source of sand deposition remedial action Sand deposition in the larger Determine scale of problem and 4 3 3 10 pools of the Mid Nairn solution if necessary Flash flooding washing out Redds Monitor problem and determine 2 5 5 12 cause and solution. Erosion downstream of Cantray Reinforce banks where absolutely 5 4 4 13 necesssary Acidification and sediment from Assess forestry and negotiate buffer 3 2 3 8 forested Brin feeder burn zone and drainage alteration Coniferous forestry on the Assess forestry and negotiate buffer 3 2 3 8 Farnack zone and drainage alteration Intensive conifer plantations on Assess forestry and negotiate buffer 3 2 3 8 the Uisge Dubh zone and drainage alteration Sand input from quarry and Assessment of sediment source and 2 2 2 6 impassable apron. fish barrier Sand input from quarry and Assessment of Barrier and remedial 4 2 2 8 impassable apron. action if necessary Coniferous plantations on Cawdor Assess forestry and negotiate buffer 3 2 3 8 Burn zone and drainage alteration Coniferous Plantations on Rierach Assess forestry and negotiate buffer 3 2 3 8 Burn zone and drainage alteration Straightened featureless Consider restoration project 4 4 5 14 Cemetery Burn Access to the Loch and is feeder Assess fish access and consider 4 4 4 16 tributaries limited benefit of any remedial action

3. River Lossie habitat review and improvement plan.

Review of Wild Trout Trust Report – Dr Andy Walker 2010a –b.

The River Lossie is a relatively small spate river, 31 miles in length draining from the hills down through the city of Elgin to its mouth to the East of Lossiemouth. Despite a productive history as a sea trout and salmon river it has suffered greatly as result of many pressures to be summarised in this document.

Entire Catchement

Issue 1: Invasive Non Native Species through catchment Parts of the River Lossie catchment are impacted by large areas of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) including Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. These species severely limit biodiversity and are very destructive to the catchment and fish populations. Action: The INNS should be targeted through a catchment wide coordinated approach to management and eradication. This will likely require a specific project and funding over 3+ years to produce a successful result.

Issue 2: Identification and assessment of smaller burns for trout spawning Small burns are likely very important for spawning trout in particular and have often become neglected. These burns need to be identified to ensure access is possible and where habitat has become degraded restoration should be undertaken. Action: Electrofishing and habitat surveys of small feeder burns along the length of the Lossie to determine burns that need remedial action to maximise production

Above Torwhinny

Issue 3: Dense coniferous plantations above Torwhinny Falls Although no salmon and it is unlikely sea trout get up past Torwhinny Falls the habitat is still important to brown trout and other species. Above the Falls the banks of the Lossie are densely forested by coniferous plantations. This has likely degraded habitat in the upper catchment but also could be harming water quality throughout the catchment. Previous investigation suggested dangerous levels of Aluminium silicate in the water. (Personal communication Ian Mackay). Action: Identify owner of relevant forestry (Forestry Commision?) and determine stage in harvest cycle before negotiating potential for 10-20m buffer strip and assessment of drainage channels and impact on river. Use water samples or data loggers to determine if forest resulting in contamination of river during peak run off. Cost: 20 samples taken twice @ £9 = £360.

Torwhinny to Cloddach Bridge Upstream of Cloddach Bridge through Kellas and Dallas the middle reaches of the River Lossie include some excellent habitat. The river meanders through pastoral agricultural land with a good mix of deciduous bank cover and varied instream habitat.

Issue 4: Coniferous plantations on Tipoch Burn (Yellowbog) The Tipoch Burn which drains into the Lossie just downstream of Torwhinny is densely forested but parts are currently being cleared as part of a windfarm development. There is good potential trout habitat in the burn Action: Identify owner of relevant forestry (Forestry Commision?) and determine stage in harvest cycle before negotiating potential for 10-20m buffer strip and assessment of drainage channels and impact on river.

Issue 5: Forestry on the Corrhatnich Burn The upper catchment of the Corrhatnich is heavily forested by coniferous plantations but has some good habitat and electrofishing shows good trout numbers but few salmon in the lower half. Action: Identify owner of relevant forestry (Forestry Commision?) and determine stage in harvest cycle before negotiating potential for 10-20m buffer strip and assessment of drainage channels and impact on river.

Issue 6: Localised bank erosion Along this stretch there are various examples of bank erosion that are inputting sediment into the river and damaging spawning habitat. Action: These should be stabilised with soft engineering techniques where possible. This can include bank side planting, the use of root wads or brush tied into the bank to reduce flows and allow bank stabilisation and rejuvenation of vegetation. The best technique will vary according to the local site.

Issue 7: Erosion of banks and spawning Gravel at Bogside One particular site at Bogside as suffered severe erosion in recent spates which damaged banks and washed out substantial quantities of spawning gravel. There was indication that the river was starting to recreate a new channel. Action: This site needs to be monitored and current status assessed. Natural river processes may recreate the lost habitat and if necessary appropriate remedial action taken.

Clodach Bridge to Elgin Upstream of Elgin there is some excellent habitat with excellent bankside cover and in stream variation. However there is significant degradation between Clodach Bridge and Palmers Cross due to dredging of the river channel for flood alleviation.

Issue 8 : Cloddach Bridge apron The combination of a concrete bridge apron and conglomerate rock has been eroded into a narrow channel that focuses the majority of the flow. This fast flowing narrow channel was likely a severe barrier to the upward migration of fish until in 2010 the Findhorn Nairn and Lossie Trust had the channel widened and the flow now seems more evenly distributed. Action: Due to the nature of the site it is important the new channel is closely monitored to ensure erosion does not cause it to deteriorate again and that fish upstream access is maintained.

Issue 9: Severe dredging of main river channel Clodach Bridge to Palmers Cross Upstream of Elgin the River Lossie has suffered as result of severe dredging and straightening leaving an over deepened, fast flowing featureless canal like channel. This work was originally carried out in the 1960s as part of an attempt to alleviate local flooding but has been maintained by local agricultural interests. The fast flowing water and bare banks results in high levels of erosion and instability. Furthermore the straight featureless channel accelerates the passage of water into Elgin and must increase flood risk in the city. Action: The severity of this modification and damage is going to require substantial work to return the river to more natural processes. The first key step is a full geormorphological survey to fully understand the physical processes and the scale of restoration work that would be required. This could be carried out by the River Restoration Centre and potentially funded by the SEPA restoration Fund. Once this is complete further steps can be taken to produce physical solutions. In the meantime pressure should be applied to SEPA to ensure further dredging is not carried out.

Black Burn Blackburn is a very important tributary of the River Lossie as it is estimated it potentially produces up to 60% of the sea trout in the river.

Issue 11: Tumbling bays blocking fish access There are two structures on the Black Burn that are likely barriers to upstream migration of fish. Both are weir like structures constructed of stone filled gabion baskets. These permeable structures allow water to flow through the stones resulting in minimal water flow over the structures and hence limiting up and down stream migration. Known locally as Tumbling Bays the lower structure at Ness Bridge is believed t be required for a SEPA gauging station. However the structure is clearly in disrepair and there was no sign of a gauging station. The upper structure does not appear to serve any purpose and the limited downstream pool will make it almost certainly impassable to salmon and sea trout. Action: If neither structure serves a purpose then negotiations with relevant landowners and SEPA should be made to have them removed. If they are required then the responsible bodies should have them repaired and provision made for fish access.

Issue 12: Discoloured feeder stream Just downstream of the upper Tumbling Bay adjacent to Pluscarden Abbey a small feeder stream entered the Black Burn which was dominated by a bright orange and filamentous like algae. Likely caused by a bacteria that relies on iron this could be a natural source or point source pollution. Action: Further investigation is required to identify the source of this bacteria/ discolouration.

Issue 13: Bankside Shading Shading along stretches of the Blackburn due to overly dense bankside vegetation could be limiting productivity. Action: Pruning of overly shaded areas to let in dappled light to the burn.

Issue 14: Coniferous plantations at the top of the Black Burn Dense forestry along the upper reaches of the Black Burn could be limiting productivity due to shading and limited biodiversity. Action: Identify owner of relevant forestry (Forestry Commision?) and determine stage in harvest cycle before negotiating potential for 10-20m buffer strip.

Through Elgin As the River Lossie passes through Elgin it is impounded by a series of redundant mill weirs. All are passable under adequate flows but in low flows can limit fish passage creating potential poaching hot spots. The passage of the Lossie and the weirs themselves are subject substantial adjustment in the future as part of Flood Alleviation Scheme. Issue 15: Access problem for upstream migration It is essential that the Flood Alleviation Works include adequate access for migratory fish upstream and downstream. Action: Close monitoring should be maintained with Flood Alleviation planners, engineers and contractors to ensure adequate provision is made for up and downward migration of fish.

Linkwood Burn The Linkwood Burn is a small but productive burn that enters the River Lossie just to the East of Elgin. Despite being heavily influenced by 4 separate distillery weirs the burn has been shown to be productive for trout and salmon by electrofishing surveys.

Issue 16: Fish Access Upstream fish access is limited by a series 4 distillery weirs (Glen Elgin, Longmorn, Linkwood x2) and electrofishing results suggest that migration of salmon and sea trout is halted by the lowest weir at Linkwood Distillery. There is excellent potential upstream habitat and the provision of fish passage could prove very worthwhile. Furthermore at least one of the weir lades was unscreened as required by current legislation Action: Initiate negotiations with the various distilleries in conjunction with SEPA to highlight the requirement for the provision of fish passage and adequate screening under the Water Frame Work Directive. There is potential funding for Engineering Assessments to be carried out of the various weirs using the SEPA Restoration Fund

Issue 17: Habitat Improvement The channel has been straightened and suffers from lack of instream cover for the parr stage. Also the bankside vegetation is has resulted in excessive shading and could benefit from some pruning to create a mosaic of light and shade. Action: In conjunction with the weir work these small habitat limitations could be included in a small restoration project for the burn. Necessary permissions and licences would be required from SEPA and landowners.

Issue 18: Flood Alleviation Scheme – joining of Linkwood and Tyock Burns Part of the Elgin Flood Alleviation Scheme Plan is to join the Tyock Burn into the lower end of the Linkwood Burn before it joins the River Lossie. The Tyock Burn drain is a heavily modified drainage channel for many shopping centres, factories and car parks and as such is likely to have poor water quality. By joining the Tyock into the lower end of the Linkwood will potentially result in a plume of poor water quality that could act as a barrier to fish trying to migrate up the Linkwood. Action: As it seems the adjoining of these two Burns is a forgone decision in the planning process every effort has to be made to ensure this adequate provision made to limit the impact of poor water quality from the Tyock Burn. This could include the provision of reed bed and settlement pond type structures in the Tyock to ensure contaminated water does not reach the Linkwood. Close negotiation and communication with the planners, engineers and contractors will be required.

Elgin to Tidal Reaches The river is more sinuous and deeper in this section with tree lined banks and despite a relatively featureless and silty bed there is more cover to support salmon parr, resident trout and finnock.

Issue 19: Easter Calcots Bridge Apron The concrete apron of the Bridge at Easter Calcots is currently passable but is showing signs of deteriorating and could potentially become a problem. If Moray Council plan repairs they should ensure fish access is maintained and consideration given to the installation of a resistivity counter. A counter could provide potential key information on salmoniid run time and abundance. Action: Close liason with Moray council and if the opportunity arises a feasibility study to assess the site suitability for a counter.

Issue Action

Urgency Likely Cost Effort required Priority Invasive Non Native Species Coordinated catchment scale 1 5 5 11 through catchment project Identification and assessment of Conduct electrofishing and habitat 3 3 3 9 smaller burns for trout spawning surveys of smaller burns Dense coniferous plantations Assess forestry and negotiate 2 2 3 7 above Torwhinny Falls buffer zone and drainage alteration. Monitor water quality. Coniferous plantations on Assess forestry and negotiate 3 2 3 8 Tipoch Burn buffer zone and drainage alteration Forestry on the Corrhatnich Burn Assess forestry and negotiate 3 2 3 8 buffer zone and drainage alteration Localised bank erosion from Assesment of sites and adoption of 2 4 4 10 Kellas upstream suitable bankside protection Erosion of banks and spawning Assesment of sites and adoption of 4 4 4 12 Gravel at Bogside suitable bankside protection Cloddach Bridge apron Monitor how new channel beds in 4 1 1 6 Severe dredging of main river Geormorphological assessment 1 4 3 8 channel Clodach to Palmers required to determine scale of Crosss problem potential solution Tumbling bays blocking fish Assesment and removal or 2 3 2 7 access on Black Burn provision of fish passage Discoloured feeder stream to Closer inspection of stream to 2 3 3 7 Black Burn determine source if polluting Bankside Shading of Black Burn Coppicing to allow more light in 3 2 3 8 Coniferous plantations at the Assess forestry and negotiate 3 2 3 8 top of the Black Burn buffer zone and drainage alteration Access problems for upstream Monitor Flood Alleviation Scheme 1 2 3 6 migration through Elgin Weirs progress to ensure fish access 4x distillery weir barriers on Liase with distilleries in conjunction 3 2 3 8 Linkwood Burn with SEPA to ease fish passage Habitat improvement on Joint with weir removal carry out 3 3 3 9 Linkwood Burn habitat restoration Flood Alleviation joining of Negotiation with Flood Alleviation 3 2 3 8 Linkwood and Tyock Burns Scheme to minimise impact Easter Calcots Bridge Apron Ensure any repairs allow fish access 4 4 4 12 and consider site for fish counter

References

Adderton, I.V.P. 2000. River Findhorn Habitat Survey. Spey Research Report 02/00.

Mackay, S. 2000. Salmonid Habitat Survey of the River Nairn and its Tributaries. Report for the Nairn DSFB.

Walker, A. 2010a. Wild Trout Trust Advisory Visit to River Lossie, 9-10 Aug 2010. Part 1 – Estuary to Cloddach Bridge.

Walker, A. 2010b. Wild Trout Trust Advisory Visit to River Lossie, 9-10 Aug 2010. Part 2 – Cloddach Bridge to Headwaters.