'˜Mighty oaks can grow from little acorns' along '¨our riverbanks

The River Forth Fisheries Trust will be streamlining a series of projects to breathe new life into the Avon and Almond rivers.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jul 2016, 14:04 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 17:06 BST
George Mackintosh of Slamannan Angling and Protective Association and other volunteers have been carrying out restoration work on the banks of the Avon for the past decade. Picture: Michael GillenGeorge Mackintosh of Slamannan Angling and Protective Association and other volunteers have been carrying out restoration work on the banks of the Avon for the past decade. Picture: Michael Gillen
George Mackintosh of Slamannan Angling and Protective Association and other volunteers have been carrying out restoration work on the banks of the Avon for the past decade. Picture: Michael Gillen

These include: Upper Avon Restoration Project – working with landowners to restore instream habitat and the banks of the river for the benefit of wildlife; Almond/Avon Invasive Species Project – continue to control a number of Invasive Non-Native Species along rivers in both catchments; Riverfly Monitoring Project – a citizen science project engaging communities to monitor riverfly to create an overview of water quality within both catchments.

Throughout the four-year project interpretation and activities will be organised for communities and families ranging from guided river walks, an interactive salmon viewing station, a small grants scheme for community groups, public art, promotion of river trails and an introduction to angling among other opportunities.

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Training and enabling community stewardship will be promoted with a number of learning opportunities for communities, primary and secondary schools by the Trust.

Part of the works will be delivered via volunteering opportunities to allow communities to get involved and be part of the decision making process with some of the restoration projects.

Five new jobs will be created within the Trust to deliver the project and it is anticipated over 500,000 in-kind hours will provided through volunteering and engagement activities.

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland Lucy Casot said: “Thanks to players of the National Lottery, these rivers will provide powerful and memorable experiences making outdoor learning fun and equipping those taking part with skills which will carry them forward.”