The Black Water of Dee, from Clatteringshaws down to Loch Ken, is hosting a really exciting, internationally innovative project to support fish populations. This week sees the launch of a volunteer programme giving an opportunity for everyone to take part and help out!
The Black Water of Dee is the largest tributary of the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee. Running from its source, deep in the Galloway Forest Park, through Clatteringshaws Loch, and down to Loch Ken, it derives its name from the dark colour of the water. The lower section of the Black Water of Dee River runs through the Galloway Forest Park, largely following the route of the Raiders Road Forest Drive, passing the popular Otter Pool visitor site.
The ‘Black Water of Dee Habitat Restoration Project’ is now underway, consisting of three main activities which, considered together, make up an innovative response to the challenges currently being faced:
- Addition of nearly 500 tonnes of gravel from elsewhere in the catchment to increase the available spawning habitat in the river
- Selective removal of conifers encroaching on the riverbanks, reducing the acidification challenge
- Planting of suitable native trees along the banking. These will provide shade, protecting the river from temperature stresses and will input woody debris.