Work to improve and protect riverbanks and vegetation has been carried out by a local shoot on the Llyn Peninsula in Wales through BASC’s Green Shoots conservation programme, which is supported by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Fencing has been installed on approximately 400 metres of channel on both banks of the River Afonwen in collaboration with the Welsh Rivers Trust (Afonydd Cymru) which helped to fund the project. The fencing prevents livestock causing bank erosion and siltation.
Audrey Watson, BASC’s North Wales biodiversity officer, said: “The river is an important spawning ground for sea trout. If there is too much silt, the fish will lose their spawning habitat. The shoot has installed a fenced corridor which will help to protect the bank and encourage vegetation. This improves the habitat and gives valuable cover to juvenile fish. The corridor is also a benefit for shooting management as it will provide cover for game birds and other wildlife to breed.”
Nick Thomas, North East Operations Manager for, Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) said: “NRW is pleased to support Green Shoots. The riverside fencing at Rhosgyll Fawr Farm will improve water quality and habitats for invertebrates, which should help enhance fish populations. This has been facilitated by Green Shoots and is another excellent example of the practical conservation work carried out by this project.”
Mike Sherman, BASC vice-chairman and chairman of the BASC Wales committee said: “This project is just one small piece of a much wider picture of people who shoot playing an active role in conservation throughout Wales. From wildfowling clubs on the coastline to our members in the countryside and the towns, shooting is playing an active role in protecting and improving the environment.”
For more information please call the BASC press office on 01244 573052 or email press@0ld.basc.org.uk