24th June: A greener future for Crawick Water – Fisheries Management Scotland

ON the stretch of Crawick Water in Dumfries and Galloway, a new beginning is taking shape.

Volunteers from SP Energy Networks planted 1000 saplings along the riverbank for World Environment Day earlier this month.

The aim was to protect the important salmon spawning ground from river bank erosion and habitat loss.

The project was co-ordinated by Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board and focused on Crawick Water, which runs from the Lowther Hills to join the River Nith near Sanquhar and plays a crucial role in salmon breeding, as well as supporting diverse wildlife and rare plants.

The new trees included alder, cherry and Scots pine and are expected to enhance the riparian habitats surrounding the river, providing increased shading and cooler water which is vital for salmon spawning. They will also help filter pollutants and sediments from runoff, improving water quality.

Jim Henderson, from the fisheries board, said: “Nith Catchment Fishery Trust are very grateful for the assistance given by SP Energy Networks. The financial contribution from SP Energy Networks made the project possible. However, our trust were unaware that they employed such talented tree planters within their ranks. We could hardly keep up with the team on the volunteering day.”