Work to remove a redundant weir has now been completed, which has restored access for migratory fish in the Borders.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)’s Water Environment Fund supported the project, which finished in February.
The Halter Burn, at Yetholm Mains near Kelso, was designed to help boost populations of fish including Atlantic salmon, critically endangered eel, sea trout and lamprey.
The removal of the weir will see the fish access at least 1.6km of upstream river, offering resilience to climate change and giving the animals more of a chance of survival.
Francis Hayes, project officer at SEPA, said: “It’s hugely satisfying to see the removal of fish barriers which for decades have not only prevented fish from accessing thriving habitat but can also block other river wildlife too.
“To see what migratory species will benefit from their newly acquired habitat upstream is exciting as well as the restoration of natural river processes that have been long neglected.”
READ MORE:
