Recovery and restoration
On Friday, 12 July we were able to release approximately 25,000 fish (20,000 dace 6-
7cm and 5,000 chub 9-10cm) back into the River Great Ouse at Radclive, Buckingham and Thornborough, the locations were chosen based on their proximity to weirs and the ability for the fish to be distributed through as much of the river as possible.
Partnership working
River Wardens
Our work to establish a voluntary group of River Wardens continues, we hosted an Aquatic Invertebrate Workshop on Thursday, 20 June at the Buckingham Community Centre. John Findlay from the Environment Agency’s Analysis & Reporting team gave a talk on the different species of aquatic invertebrates that can typically be found in the river and how to identify them. Potential volunteer River Wardens then had the opportunity to put their new skills to the test and identify some samples under microscopes. The group was very enthusiastic and enjoyed the chance to get some hands-on experience.
We are hoping that a Project Officer will be in place soon, so that it can finally get the volunteer River Warden scheme up and running.
River Restoration Advice Workshop
We are working with the Wild Trout Trust to finalise our River Restoration Advice Day on 10 September 2019. Planned specifically for partners and landowners on the Great Ouse between Brackley and Buckingham, the event will focus on providing practical knowledge and skills to help restore and improve the Great Ouse in and around Buckingham. This event is invitation only, we are looking for a small number of landowners with an appetite to deliver work to improve the river in this area. Anyone interested should contact Kye Jerrom via FBG.C&B@environment-agency.gov.uk
Other restoration opportunities
• We are assessing options for a fish pass on the Upper Ouse and have secured funding for an initial design to be produced. We will consult local landowners on design options in order to agree a preferred design by the end of the year.
• In June the Wild Trout Trust completed a river restoration options assessment for river improvements through Radclive. It is hoped that this will drive future work to benefit the river and the fishery.
Stay informed
Keep up-to-date with this restoration and other projects by liking our Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology Facebook page www.facebook.com/OuseFishEA/ or follow us on Twitter @OuseFishEA.
To add your contact details to this distribution list please email: FBG.C&B@environment-agency.gov.uk
Next update due: 24th October 2019