May 15, 2013

Sanquhar Primary explore the Crawick water

Pupils from Sanquhar Primary School braved the unseasonably cold weather to explore the Crawick Water today.  We started off by electrofishing a section of the river and caught four lovey salmon parr, a trout parr and one small trout fry.  After seeing what type of fish were already in the river we decide to try to find some of the bugs and beasties that they eat and check the water quality.  We found lots of stonefly, mayfly, freshwater shrimp, caddisfly and a host of other invertebrates, all which tell us that the river is very healthy and full of food for the fish.  By this time the cold was getting to us and it was time to retreat to the bus for warmth and food to sustain us for planting the salmon fry out into the river.  Primary 3/4 had hatched the fry from salmon eggs that they had looked after in their classroom over the winter and the pupils carefully poured the small fry into their new home.

NDSFB staff demonstrate electrofishing in the Crawick Water

Identifying the fish captured

Kick sampling to find out what invertabrates are present

Planting out the fry that the pupils raised in the classroom

May 8, 2013

Helping Hand

The Trust and Board’s staff has been planting out hatchery reared stock recently into areas of the catchment that have been assessed previously and require this management intervention.  The stocking of fry is one of those tasks in the year which lends itself to participation of anglers on the principle that “many hands make light work”.  These events also give the opportunity for anglers to see parts of the river catchment that perhaps they have never seen before.  We are very grateful for the assistance and wish to thank all those who attended.

Hepling Hands - DGAA

Helping Hands - DGAA

Helping Hands - Burgh Anglers

Helping Hands - Burgh Anglers

May 7, 2013

Continued Professional Development

The Board and Trust take their responsibilities to their employees with regard to training very seriously and as such continue to train members of staff to enable them to do the tasks required of them.  Trained staff are more confident and comfortable in carrying out duties using equipment that they are familiar with and thus are more effective at work.  Some training courses are a single attendance but others have to be refreshed on a regular basis to ensure that the trainee’s skills have not deteriorated.  In addition to it being a legal requirement to train staff, the Board and Trust use specialist equipment which can easily be damaged if used by untrained operators.

4x4 Off-road Driving course

ATV training course

Apr 11, 2013

Fintastic Tales Day 2

Recently the Board and Trust hosted the second of two open days to enable members of the public to get an insight into fisheries management within the River Nith system.  The many facets of work conducted by the Board and Trust were covered in the classroom, followed by practical demonstrations in the field at a site that has been the subject of habitat enhancements previously.  The weather was kind to us an the event was very well attended by both locals and visitors of all ages.

Tanks of salmon and trout fry in the hatchery

A chance to hold a fish!

Investigating the invertabrates

Apr 5, 2013

Fintastic Tales - the story of the Atlantic salmon

The Board and Trust hosted an open day for visitors on Wednesday the 3^rd of April.  The Fintastic Tales event, which was part of the D&G Wild Spring Festival, consisted of a visit to the hatchery to learn about the amazing lifecycle of the Atlantic salmon, to see salmon and sea trout fry being produced and to find out about the many aspects of the fishery management work which is conducted throughout the catchment.  The visitors were then taken to a tributary of the River Cairn where they could see areas that have been habitat enhanced. A practical demonstration of electrofishing was conducted and the resultant fish were identified, including two sea trout smolts, juvenille salmon and trout and a few stone loaches.  Further kick samples were conducted to capture invertebrates which indicated high water quality.  The day was well attended with over 24 people turning up and even through it was a cold day, the sun was shining and it was enjoyed by all.

A second open day is being run on Wednesday 10th April.  If you would like to attend please contact the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust on 01387 740 043 or trust@river-nith.com for more details and to book a place.

Mar 18, 2013

Discolouration of River NIth Investigated

There was a recent incident on the River Nith where discoloured water entered the river at Kirkconnel.  The incident was reported to the Board by Danny Marshall from Upper Nithsdale Angling Association and the Board's staff attended on site to investigate.  Essential drainage works were being carried out in the field south of Kirkconnel.  The Board met onsite with Amey Highways and their contractors who were carrying out the work.  Work was temporarily halted and a revised working method was agreed to ensure that there would be no further episodes of silt entering the Nith.

Mar 15, 2013

Nith Catchment Fishery Trust AGM

The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust held their AGM this week.  Guest speakers at the AGM were Mr Andrew Wallace and Mr Callum Sinclair from the Rivers and Fishery Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS).  Our speakers gave a presentation of the work conducted by Fishery Trusts across Scotland and set in context the work that is being undertaken by the Nith Trust.  Biologist, Debbie Parke gave a presentation to the meeting about the projects that the NithTrust has completed over the previous 12 months and the work plan for the coming year.  An election of Directors was held and the following members are now Directors - Mr Brian Lord, Mr Andrew Wood, Mr Thomas Florey and Mr David Kempsell.

Mar 6, 2013

Trust AGM on 11th March

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Nith Catchment Fishery Trust will be held at Friars Carse Hotel, Auldgirth, DG3 5LU on 11 March 2013 at 19.30hrs.  Business will include an update of the Trust’s work, presentation of the accounts and the election of directors.  If you would like more information please email Debbie on trust@river-nith.com

Mar 4, 2013

Bogrie Hydro Scheme

Recently we attended on site at the installation of the Bogrie Micro Hydro scheme.  We are working with the installers to ensure that the outflow for the scheme is fish friendly.  Having previously surveyed the watercourse, fish are present and both the installers and owners want to work with the Board and the Trust to protect them.  We are assisting in the design of the outflow to ensure that it does not attract migrating salmonid species of fish.  In addition we also want to ensure that the focused flow emanating from the outflow does not create long term erosion issues.  Both concerns can be addressed by consultation at an early stage.

Mar 4, 2013

D&G Environment Fair

We had an enjoyable day on Saturday at the Dumfries and Galloway Environment Fair where we had a stall demonstrating all of the work that we carry out.  The main attraction on our table was a tank full of sea trout fry.  The children had to guess how many fry were in the tank to win a trip to visit our hatchery in November 2013 and get the chance to see some of the large adult salmon we have in at that time of year.

A tray of bugs and beasties, that had been collected from a local pond that morning, also proved to be of great interest, especially when viewed under a high powered magnifying glass.  We also had some salmon eggs in an aquarium so people could see the developing embryos inside.

Feb 27, 2013

Anglers Meet The Board

Feb 25, 2013

Start of the Nith fishing season

Today was the start of the 2013 fishing season on the Nith for salmon and sea trout and opening ceremonies were held up and down the catchment to welcome the start of the season.  The Nith District salmon Fishery Board and Nith Catchment Fishery Trust were invited to attend the Burgh Anglers Opening ceremony held on the “Wee Green” early this morning.  After an opening speech by Alex Saville, Chairman of the Burgh Anglers, Jack Groom the Provost of Dumfries opened the season by pouring whisky into the river in a traditional blessing to bring luck to the anglers who fish the river.  It was a beautiful day and we hope that tight lines will be had by all this year.

Provost Jack Groom pouring the whisky into the Nith

Feb 20, 2013

Review of Implementation of 2008 Fishery Management Plan

In 2008 the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board published the River Nith Catchment Fishery Management Plan as part of a Scotland wide initiative, funded by the Scottish Government, to set out the future management of all Scottish rivers.  This plan is cyclical and is now in its final year.  We have reviewed the work carried out and have now published that review.  Please see the following links to the original Fishery management Plan and the Review.

Nith Catchment Fishery Management Plan 2008

Nith Catchment Fishery Management Plan Review of Implementation 2008 - 2012

Jan 10, 2013

Abbreviated Board Meeting Report 11th December 2012

The Nith Board and their staff are busy with the task of managing the river and its stocks of salmon and sea trout.  Whilst engaged with the many facets of modern fisheries management it is often all too easy to forget that essentially, whilst our statutory duty is to protect and enhance the welfare of migratory salmonid species, we strive to make the fishing better for all.  It is important that the man or woman on the river bank is aware of the works of the Board and to that end the Board attempts to use whatever means it can to inform the public.  To better inform the public the Board have invited Mr John Millar to attend all meetings and to make a report which will be displayed on the Boards web site.

Please find John's report here - Report 1 by John Millar

Nov 2, 2012

Invaders Arrive in the Nith

The presence of NASC in Lochrutton was discovered by the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust which has been monitoring waterbodies within the Nith catchment.  The Trust identified NASC as a threat to the catchment as they are present in the adjoining catchments of the Clyde and in Loch Ken in Galloway.  NASC have also been reported in the lower River Nith near Kingholm Quay but this sighting has not yet been verified.  The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust is currently surveying the lower Nith for the presence of NASC.

Debbie Parke, Biologist with the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust said “The presence of North American Signal Crayfish in the Nith catchment is cause for great concern as these animals can have a devastating effect on the aquatic ecosystem.  NASC burrow into river banks causing erosion, increasing the sediment load in the watercourses.  They can also have a negative impact on fish populations, which is of concern to anglers in the Nith catchment.”

The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust is working with other agencies including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Government Marine Scotland, to formulate a plan to deal with the discovery of NASC in the Nith catchment.  Eradication of NASC is impractical in large waterbodies so it is hoped that by educating water users and the public that the further spread of this species can be constrained.

Non-native species reach new areas through human involvement; often by persons ignorant of the damage that such actions can have, and once established can spread locally.  For this reason, it is illegal to keep or release non-native crayfish and any caught accidently must be killed on site.  A licence is required in order to trap for any crayfish.  Signal crayfish can be accidently spread by using equipment, such as angling nets and boats, which have previously been used in a waterbody containing NASC.  It is vital that all water users ensure they CHECK, CLEAN and DRY their equipment before using it elsewhere to prevent the further spread of these animals.

Jonathan Warren, operations officer with Scottish Natural Heritage in Dumfries said: “It is very disappointing that, despite the high level of publicity that has been given to this species and to non-native species in general, a new introduction has occurred in the region.  It is impossible to eradicate Signal crayfish in such large waterbodies but, by working together, we hope we can contain the spread and minimise the impacts this new population could have.”

Carol McGinnes, from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said: “This new finding in the Nith catchment reinforces the vital role that everyone has, particularly those who work in and around water or use it for leisure activities, in helping to protect our rivers and lochs from further spread of these creatures.  This can be done by ensuring that animals and eggs are not transported accidentally between different waterbodies, by checking, cleaning and drying any equipment used, and by reporting any illegal trapping and/or movement of crayfish to the local Police.”

Signage will be erected and the issue of invasive non-native species will be continually kept as a high profile threat to the biosecurity of the Nith.  All water users are encouraged to follow the simple guidance set out in the Check, Clean, Dry campaign, which can be found at www.nonnativespecies.org, to prevent the spread of non-native species.

If you suspect that Signal crayfish are present in any watercourse within the Nith catchment, please inform the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust: email trust@river-nith.com or telephone 01387 740043, SEPA or SNH.

For further information please see the following links:

SNH Crayfish leaflet

http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/C209048.pdf

NASC Risk Assessment https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/downloadDocument.cfm?id=54

GB NNSS website

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/home/index.cfm

Oct 4, 2012

MSP Visit To The Nith

MSP Jim Hume visited the River Nith on Monday 24^th September 2012.  The visit was planned to coincide with the Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill currently being considered by the Scottish Government.  Alan Wells, Policy and Planning Officer for the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards also attended the visit and we were able to demonstrate some of the works of the Nith Board and Trust, whilst on a field visit to Kier’s Greenburn mine. It is always important that our politicians are aware of the work that Fishery Boards and Trusts do throughout Scotland but especially so now, when the Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is progressing.  Both the Nith Board and the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards has responded to the Bill.

Jim Henderson discussing fishery matters with Jim Hume, MSP.

left to right - Jim Hume, Jim Henderson and Alan Wells viewing the coal mining operations at Kier Mining

Aug 30, 2012

Fishy Fun @ the Fair!

The River Nith Fisheries Management team attended the recent Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig.  The Board and Trust shared a marquee and displayed many aspects of their work.  Both organisations recognise the importance of engaging with the public and see this event, the local Game Fair, as an opportunity to meet the public and inform them about fisheries management on the Nith.  The Fair was considered a great success, was well attended and we received many positive comments.

Congratulations to the following people for winning prizes at our stand:

Fishy Fortune Raffle 2012

Time for Two donated by the Lochside House Hotel - Sitki Nacki

Day's fishing and accommodation for two at Friars Carse - Joan Fergusson

Days fishing for two on Portract - Kate Marshall

Dinner for two at a Cabaret or Comedy Club donated by the Cairndale Hotel - Linda Murray

Galloway Beef Hamper donated by the The Blackface Meat Company - Cheryl Widdowson

£50 tackle voucher donated by Reel 'Em' In - Alan Gray

£20 voucher for Merlin Office - C. Stacey

£20 voucher donated by Glasgow Angling - Dennis Kitching

Limited Edition bottle of Japanese Whiskey - Chris Otty

Bottle of whiskey donated by Afton Lily Social Club - Andrew McKie

£10 voucher donated by Don Sport - Karey Patterson

Tiny Tartans Chocolate box donated by The Moniaive Chocolatiers - Brian Bell

Guess the Weight of the Salmon

Saturday -7lb 13oz 4 drams won by M. Fortune

Sunday - 9lb 2oz 12 drams won by J. Cunningham Jardine

Casting Competition

1 Days tuition and fishing at Friars Carse won by Steven Jaff

John Cunningham Jardine won the Sunday salmon guessing the correct weight

The tent was busy both days. 

Fish attended too!

Looking for bugs and beasties!

Nith salmon parading at the fair!

The Nith Fisheries Management Team!

Aug 15, 2012

River diversion on the Nith

The course of the River Nith was altered at Kier’s Greenburn Surface Coal Mine near New Cumnock, during the second week of August 2012.  This was the first of two planned diversions of the river to facilitate the extraction of coal beneath the original channel.  Fishery protection measures were incorporated into the project to avoid any potential adverse impacts which could have occurred.  A major fish rescue was conducted by members of staff from the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board and the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust.  The Team worked systematically over the term of the project to remove fish from the original channel and place them in a safe location.  Fish species relocated included thousands of salmon/trout fry and parr, brown trout to 1.5lbs, numerous eels up to 18 inches long, lots of lamprey, minnow, stone loach, a few pike and one grayling.  The new channel will be monitored over an extended period to ensure that fish and invertebrate populations recolonize to their former numbers.

The new channel on the left ready to have water diverted into it

Removing fish from the old channel prior to it being diverted

A pike captured during the fish rescue

The Nith in it's new channel

Jul 30, 2012

Galloway Country Fair

The Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and Nith District Salmon Fishery Board are having a stall at the Galloway Country Fair again this year and would like to invite you to visit us at the Nith Fisheries Management Tent on the 18^th and 19^th August.  We have lots of displays showing some the work we do and exciting activities to enjoy, including:

Showcasing the new Nith Fisheries Management Film

We are very excited to be showcasing a short film that we have had produced highlighting some of the work that the Trust and the Board is involved in.  It will be on a continuous loop over the weekend and there will be seats available so that you can take the weight off your feet.

Casting Competition

Put your casting to the test!!  Enter a team of four into the Casting Competition and get the chance to try out some of Hardy’s top of the line rods.  This is a fun event for experienced anglers and novices alike and the members of the winning team will enjoy a day’s fishing on the River Nith at Buccleuch and receive a trophy to commemorate the day.  If you would like to enter a team please complete a competition form and return to trust@river-nith.com or NCFT, 37 George Street, Dumfries, DG1 1EB.

Win a salmon!

Do you think you can accurately guess the weight of a salmon?  If so have a go and if you are correct you will win the salmon to take home for your dinner.

NCFT Raffle

Lots of prizes to be won including a day’s fishing on one of the River Nith’s premier beats, “Time for Two” at Lochside Hotel worth £250, a hamper of beef from the Blackface Meat Company and many many more.  Purchase tickets on the day or directly from any of the Directors of the Trust.

We would love to see you on the day, so pop in and have some fun at the Nith Fisheries Management Tent at the Galloway Country Fair 2012, Drumlanrig Castle on the 18^th and 19^th August.

Jun 9, 2012

NASCO visit the Nith

Saturday June 9^th saw an International delegation visit the River Nith in its head waters.  This was the culmination of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) conference which was being hosted by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh this year.  NASCO last met in Scotland 9 years ago and after a week of talks and meetings at the conference the Scottish Government requested that the Nith arrange a field visit to the coal mines in the upper catchment.  Delegates from Sweden, Russia, Norway, America and many other countries were shown around Scottish Coal’s House of Water surface coal mine and its workings.

Then the focus turned to the river diversion that was conducted during 2004 to allow for the extraction of coal.  Following a presentation in the morning where the engineering procedures and fisheries protection measures were explained the group then walked a section of the diverted channel and were shown the channel and its maturing features.  Members of the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board and Directors of the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust were on hand to answer questions and chaperone the delegates.

Mar 9, 2012

Sanquhar Salmon Schooled

Salmon stocks in the Crawick Water received a boost recently by a project supported by the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust (NCFT).  The Trust manages a project which involves pupils from schools throughout the Nith catchment incubating salmon eggs in their school class rooms.

The “Nith in the classroom” project educates young people about the life cycle story of salmon and their environmental requirements.  Pupils are able to watch the development of embryos and once hatched and used up their yolk sac the fish are liberated into the streams close to the school.

At the most recent release of young salmon by pupils from Sanquhar Primary councillor Andrew Wood was in attendance to see first-hand the project.  A blustery day was enjoyed by all on the banks of the Crawick near Sanquhar.

Dec 19, 2011

Nith Angler wins the Malloch Trophy for largest fly caught salmon

2011 winner of Scotland’s most prestigious angling award, the greatest honour in British gamefishing

The Chairman of the Tay Foundation, owners of the Savills Malloch Trophy – for the largest salmon caught on the fly and safely returned during the year in Scottish waters – is delighted to announce that this year’s winner is Sam Valentine for a fish of 34.5 lb landed on the River Nith.

Mr Valentine commented on being told of the decision of the Savills Malloch Trophy Committee on December 12^th: “In 27 years of fly-fishing it has always been my ambition to catch a salmon of over 20 lb. In November this ambition was well and truly achieved! I saw something huge breaking the surface of the water. It appeared almost like the back of a seal. Two casts later my line just stopped. At first the fish seemed unaware that it was hooked. Then it took off and I had an epic battle of 45 minutes before eventually we were able to land it. After quickly weighing it, we returned it to the water and with a flash of the tail it swam off very strongly”.

Mr Valentine’s magnificent salmon was caught on the Dalswinton beat of the Nith on November 16 and weighed in a weigh-net, before being carefully released back into the river. To be eligible for the trophy a fish must be caught on a fly in a sportsmanlike manner and be returned unharmed in accordance with best catch and release practice.

At the Savills Malloch Trophy Committee meeting on December 12^th nine possible contenders, the great majority in excess of 30 lb, landed by both male and female anglers in a wide range of rivers between the north Highlands and the Solway, were considered. Mr Valentine’s entry, which fulfilled the relevant criteria including best evidence and careful handling, was after lengthy consideration endorsed as the winner for 2011. His name will be engraved on the Tay Foundation’s trophy, joining an illustrious list of previous winners which stretches back four decades.

Savills Director Roddy Willis said: “As sponsors of the Savills Malloch trophy we are delighted to see it head south to the River Nith. It exemplifies that one does not have to fish one of the Big Four Scottish rivers to be in with a chance of winning this trophy and indeed of catching a leviathan salmon”.

The Committee also agreed to make a special award to 14 year old Frank Cotton, who landed and released a fine 28.5 lb spring salmon in the Tweed at Sprouston in May. Robert Rattray, of CKD Galbraith and Secretary of the Savills Malloch Trophy for the Tay Foundation, commented: “Frank’s tremendous achievement should be a real inspiration for all young salmon fishers. In his youth he has caught the fish of a lifetime! Furthermore the fact that he returned the fish sends out a highly positive conservation message”.

The encouraging number of large salmon entered for this year’s Savills Malloch Trophy is consistent with a remarkable, unprecedented in recent decades, increase in 2011 in the numbers of larger salmon – fish that have remained at sea for three or even four years. On some rivers fish in the teens of pounds dominated catches in May and June and throughout the season heavier fish have been unusually common with plenty in the 20 lb to 30 lb class and several in the 30 lb to 40 lb class.

Nov 23, 2011

Minister of Environment and Climate Change visits Nith catchment

Stewart Stevenson, Scottish Government Minister for Environment and Climate Change, recently accepted an invitation from Nith District Salmon Fishery Board to visit the Nith Catchment to experience the unique circumstances facing the Board in connection with its daily Fishery Management of the Nith and its tributaries.

Mr Stevenson attended a Board meeting at the Cairndale Hotel on 31^st October where he saw at firsthand how the Board operates and conducts Fishery Management.

The Minister listened as agenda items were covered from fisheries enforcement and renewable energy proposals through to planning applications, survey work, hatchery operations and other business.  Mr Stevenson entered into the free exchange of views and comments and contributed to many of the topics covered.  His attendance and input to the Board meeting was much appreciated by the Board members and attending invitees from SEPA, SNH and Nith Catchment Fishery Trust.

On the following morning The Minister accompanied Board Members and SEPA representatives on a trip from Dumfries through the catchment to New Cumnock where he attended at two open cast coal sites to see river diversion projects that had been undertaken and were underway to allow for coal to be removed by open cast mining methods from under the bed of the River Nith.

The Minister wanted to see how the Board works with other key stakeholders in ensuring the welfare of salmon and sea trout and other species of fish whilst still permitting these construction projects to proceed.  The Board uses current fisheries legislation to protect the aquatic environment that fish require.

The first visit was to Kier Mining's site at Greenburn where a river diversion channel was in the process of being constructed to allow for the river to be diverted to a new purpose built course in order to allow open cast coal operations to work coal from under the existing bed of the river.  The necessary engineering procedures were explained by Kier Mining staff and details of the creation of fish habitats within the new river course together with the plans for fish rescue from the original river course were described by Fishery Board staff.

The group then visited Scottish Coal’s House of Water open cast site where they were shown a river diversion channel which had been completed in 2004. Scottish Coal described how the channel had been constructed over the reinstated ground of a former open cast coal site and Fishery Board staff described habitat features and riparian planting schemes which have benefited aquatic life and fish populations within the area.

Scottish Coal demonstrated the various methods of work in the mine and the group saw a controlled explosive blast taking place to free up rock and coal for excavation from the site. The group were also shown examples of mine water discharge treatment carried out to prevent pollution from entering the river system.

Board members are very pleased that the Minister attended for the two day visit and that he showed such interest in the diverse issues that face the Board in its dealing with and implementation of Fishery Management in the Nith Catchment.

Jun 16, 2011

Sampling sea trout for the Celtic Sea Trout Project

May 11, 2011

A new habitat scheme!

The Crawick Water has been acknowledged as one of the most productive spawning tributaries for sea trout throughout the Nith catchment.  As such, investment in habitat enhancement has been promoted over the previous 15 years.  Many schemes to exclude riparian grazing and promote the regeneration of native vegetation to provide draped cover for fish have been conducted.  The latest of these schemes has been to extend the existing fenced off river corridor upstream of Coarse Bank Farm.  The Trust appreciates the support and cooperation of Mr J Renwick who owns the land and the various funding organisations who have supported the project. RAFTs supports this project through funding supplied by Marine Scotland.

May 2, 2011

Anglers and Pupils stock salmon into Mid Nithsdale Waters!

Feb 1, 2011

Engineering Works at Holm Farm, River NIth

During the late autumn 2010 the Nith Board were contacted by Network Rail regarding proposed engineering works to arrest the effects of erosion at the Holm Farm on Cowhill Estate.  The river has been changing course over recent years to the point where it is now severely impacting on the Carlisle – Kilmarnock railway line on the west side of the River Nith.  The contractors engaged to conduct the bank repairs, plan to install temporary piles to prevent further erosion then place longer permanent piles to secure a long term solution.

These types of engineering works in close proximity to the river channel can be detrimental to the fish and other species in the aquatic environment and NDSFB is working closely with others to ensure that impacts are minimised.  Of major concern to the Board is the impact of vibration on spawning salmonids in the immediate vicinity of the works.  The Board is working with the contractors, BAM Nuttall Ltd and Network Rail on a suite of mitigation measures to help minimise potential impacts in the fish community.

Mar 23, 2010

Bailiff's Conference

Water Bailiff's Conference 2010

The Water Bailiff's Conference was recently held in the River Nith catchment. This event occurs in the spring of the year and is hosted in a different geographic location throughout Scotland annually. Bailiffs are given an insight into the specific issues that are dealt with in the area where the conference is hosted.

On day one of the conference, Nith District Salmon Fishery Board adopted a theme of "Industry & Environment" working together to protect the resource that the Board are statutorily responsible for. The day included a site visit to the surface coal mine at House of Water, New Cumnock. Senior Bailiff Barry Young supervised a guided tour of the coal mine workings and explained issues that can occur and impact on fish in close proximity to the mine. Biologist Deborah Parke took a second group of Bailiffs along a section of the river Nith that had previously been diverted. She described the work that the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust and the Board are doing to restore the river channel to its full potential.

Day two of the conference was devoted entirely to anti-poaching issues in the Nith catchment. Presentations by D&G Constabulary were followed by site visits to poaching "hot spots" for on-site case studies.

The Nith District Salmon Fishery Board would like to thank Scottish Coal, ATH Resources and Mr Percy Weatherall for their support with the conference.

Oct 6, 2009

Casting for Recovery

The Nith District Salmon Fishery Board recently assisted in organising a pilot event in conjunction with the physiotherapy department in D&G Royal Infirmary. Borderlines, a not for profit company specialising in introducing induviduals and groups to the sport of fising, attended and provided casting tuition for the event. Casting for Recovery is a national programme that was designed to help women who have or have had Breast cancer “to promote physical and mental healing”. The action of casting helps rehabilitate muscles affected by the cancer and surgery and also has the benefit of taking place in beautiful and relaxing surroundings. The Nith District Salmon Fishery Board helped to organise an afternoon’s casting tuition at the end of September to give ladies from the physiotherapy group run by Linda Davidson, an opportunity to try casting as a rehabilitation method for themselves. The event was held at Glenkiln Reservoir with the kind permission of Sir Henry Keswick. The casting tuition was provided by three professional instructors from Borderlines; Chris Bowman, Clive Mitchelhill and Glyn Freeman. Staff from NDSFB were also on hand to assist with the day. The afternoon was voted a success with all of the ladies quickly mastering the basics of casting and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the reservoir. It is hoped that this pilot day will lead to further events being organised with “Casting for Recovery” to provide regular support for ladies in Dumfries and Galloway that have been affected by breast cancer.