ART were invited to attend the Auchinleck Decides event last Saturday to make representation and win support for our project aimed at partially restoring the Dippol Burn.

The Dippol has been devoid of trout since the 1970’s following pollution incidents that wiped them out. It can’t repopulate naturally due to an impassable waterfall where it joins the Lugar Water.  It also suffered as a result on opencast mine inputs with Darnconnor OCCS near the source of the burn. The project will reintroduce a quantity of local brown trout and tackle bankside erosion using willow spilling with volunteers helping from within the community. Landowners will be visited to make them aware of the issues and how best to protect the burn in future.

The event was a great success with £10,000 awarded between 11 groups seeking funding. We gave a short presentation explaining the project and what we would do with the money. After the community voted, we were very pleased to receive the full amount from East Ayrshire Tenants and Residents Association. Every little bit helps and while this grant won’t fully cover the cost of the work, it will help.  Thanks to all those who attended and especially those who gave us a vote.

The photo below shows Struan receiving the cheque on behalf of the Trust at the Boswell Centre.

Source: Ayshire River Trust – Auchinleck Decided