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27 October 2010
MEETING
Two were held, one in May prior to HB bashing and the AGM in late October.
Eleven members attended the AGM, at which Chairman James Pennefather, Secretary Colin High and Liaison Officer Mark Butcher were re elected unopposed.
INVASIVE SPECIES
This was a spectacular team effort, co-ordinated by the Chairman and due to the efforts made in 2008, the HB was cleared in two major sessions. Both the NT & LDNPA were involved, together with a healthy number of volunteers from the fishing fraternity. A prime example of excellent teamwork.
Since the HWD was seen to die back well before spawning commenced, this was not considered a problem at this time.
FISH ACCESS
Troutal Gorge was suspected of being an impassable barrier for fish. This notion was dispelled during the warmer weather, when the DRA secretary managed to wade/swim to the far side of the huge boulder and confirm with photos that a natural fish pass did in fact exist.
Further proof was supplied by a 4lb sea trout, which was later spotted ½ mile upstream whilst invert sampling.
BECK SURVEYS/HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
Conducted throughout the season and a total of 12 becks were walked down. When EA legislation allowed, in beck work was undertaken to remove branches & vegetation etc. which had accumulated on fences and in culverts.
Four becks were attended to in a major fashion, bin bags & briars making a formidable dam when left unattended.
INVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
The DRA secretary was trained at the FBA in May and subsequently the nine sites agreed with the EA were sampled on 3 occasions each.
14 tributaries were identified and sampled for the first time ever so far as we are aware.
5 further becks run into the river at the very head of the valley and the intention is to survey and sample these in the next few weeks.
R Lickle. One site was sampled in 2009. A further 3 sites have been identified, including Appletreeworth beck and these will be sampled shortly.
Black Beck. 3 sites were sampled in March 2010, the lowest one on the river being below a hamlet which is known to have a number of septic tanks. The abundance of inverts here was approx. 1:20th of the other 2 sites, which confirmed the suspicions of a few residents. It was agreed with the EA that a further sample be taken in April 2010.
It is understood that a UU scheme to introduce mains sewerage in this hamlet has been withheld due to a lack of money.
FENCING
A worthy project was identified on one of the river Duddon’s most productive tributaries, but due to financial restrictions it has not been possible to undertake the work.
TREE PLANTING
Thanks to Clive Stretton, NT, this activity commenced on the upper R Duddon last March with the help of LDNPA & a variety of volunteers.
Plans are to be drawn up to extend this initiative further down the river, which will be of benefit to all wildlife in the valley.
HYDRO SCHEMES
So far as we are aware, there are no further plans for the R Duddon catchment in addition to the one currently under construction on Logan Beck.
Unfortunately there was an incident in August when the contractors, Askam, disturbed in - beck clay, which quickly discoloured the river from confluence down to the salt water. The secretaries of Pennyparrock angling Co. and DRA investigated and the EA arrived quickly to monitor the pollution.
It is believed no damage done to spawning as few fish had arrived.
REDD COUNTING
For a second year this was an impossible task due to the high water levels, which brings me to November’s great flood.
On inspection a couple of days later, by which time the river had dropped dramatically, all the bridges were found to be intact and at first sight there was minimal damage, despite the water rising some 18’ in the narrows above normal summer height.
Gravel shift was later seen to have taken place below both the Ulpha and Duddon bridges. What long term effect this will have remains to be seen.
On a brighter note, a number of Kelts were spotted during a January survey undertaken by the secretaries of Pennyparrock and the DRA. So fingers crossed the salmon new all along what was about to happen and delayed their run accordingly!
We suspect the sea trout were not so fortunate, as a redd wash out was observed by the DRA secretary several days after the flood. A photo of the eggs high & dry was sent to both the EA & SCRT Manager.
GOING FORWARD
In addition to continuing with the work already outlined, these projects need to be pursued.
ELECTRO FISHING
Training the DRA secretary to undertake this work has been discussed with the SCRT Manager on several occasions. This is considered an imperative, in order to accurately determine those becks in which salmonids spawn, together with the amount of young fish present.
WILD FISH PROTECTION ZONE
The pros & cons have been discussed several times without being successfully resolved. Another issue to discuss with the incoming SCRT Manager.
Colin High Hon. Secretary,Duddon River Association