Environment Agency Improve Barbel Spawning Beds

11th November 2011

As part of an ongoing long term project, (see link here) the Environment Agency (EA), led by technical officer, Paul Wilkanowski has put 12 Tonnes of fresh gravel into the River Great Ouse, just downstream of Sherington Bridge.  The old beds have become clogged with silt, and become unproductive.

The picture below, show the EA, dropping off the first 2 bags of 12 in total.  Richard Dorrill (association sec.) is also looking on.

It's time to get stuck in, and spread the gravel.  If you look carefully, you can see orange rods placed in the water, as markers.  This way, they can see the limits of where to spread the gravel.

The job is complete (apologies for the glare on the water, I forgot my polarising filter... will update later).  It's quite obvious where the new gravel has been laid.  Our thanks to Paul and his team for their efforts and hard work, lets hope the Barbel appreciate their efforts next spring.  (Picture below, taken from the Sherington Bridge)

Close up, from the top of the bank.