Its been blowing a veritable gale out of the east over the past few days which has made working out doors rather unpleasant.  It's still very windy this morning, but the forecast is for calmer weather over the weekend,  We could do with some rain as the river is now very low and pretty well unfishable on the shallower runs.

The pumps, pipes and other paraphernalia for the crayfish plague eradication project arrived here yesterday to join the container and clay for the dams that went up to High Birkwith.  Paul is going up to Ling Gill this morning to try out the pumps and have a final think about strategy before work starts in earnest next week.  Nothing quite like this has ever been attempted before so it will be a unique opportunity to record progress and learn as the project proceeds.  I intend to record some of the action on video and if suitable will post short clips here on the blog.

We are going to take a thorough look at the fishery on 9 May and draw up a plan for work to be done over the summer.  This will include stile repairs, habitat improvement, tree pruning and planting and establishment of native water plants in suitable areas.

If members have any thoughts about this work then please do comment on the blog or email me direct.

Ian