Some hope for salmon after Upper Spey restoration project

Success is being reported for a crucial Spey restoration project involving a range of partners.

Jahama Highland Estate, Glenshero, Upper River Spey - The Spey Catchment Initiative’s (SCI) Upper Spey River Restoration Project – has been a success thanks to collaboration between the Spey Catchment Initiative, Jahama Highland Estate (part of Alvance British Aluminium based in Fort William), and the Spey Fishery Board.

The project aimed to enhance the river's habitat by installing Large Woody Structures (LWS) in the river's headwaters.

With wild Atlantic salmon populations at a crisis point, the project is an important step towards improving river habits for the species

In 2022 SCI was successful in securing funding from NatureScot through the Nature Restoration Fund to use nature-based solutions to improve conditions in the upper Spey.

Before the project, the upland reaches of the Spey lacked the complexity of habitats needed to support diverse aquatic life, including juvenile salmon.

The sub-optimal habitat quality was partly due to the long-term lack of woodland on the riverbanks, resulting in few features such as deeper pools, riffles, and gravel deposits.

A total of 65 trees, with their root plates attached, were taken from Glenshero and installed in the river in carefully chosen locations.

"These LWS will create more complex and varied physical habitats, providing additional microhabitats for invertebrate and microbial life," said Penny Lawson, Spey Catchment Initiative project officer.

"Over time, the LWS may also help to reconnect the river with its flood plain, contributing to reducing flood risk downstream.

"Already, they are having a significant impact on river processes. Deeper pools are forming upstream of the structures, while gravel bars and riffles are being created below. The project will result in new and improved habitats, helping biodiversity to flourish, and in years to come, more wildlife will return to this section of the river, including our precious salmon.

"In the future, the creation of new native woodlands in the glen will provide a source of natural dead wood and shading for the river."

The project also promises wider benefits. By providing natural flood management, it boosts climate resilience by slowing the flow of water out of the catchment and creating cooler refuge areas to help aquatic life escape rising water temperatures and avoid being washed out during more frequent floods.

It was delivered in partnership with the landowner, Jahama Highland Estates, and the Spey Fishery Board, with the SCI's 12 partner organisations providing additional expertise and input when needed. JHE supplied the trees from plantations and ongoing practical assistance from estate staff on the ground.

Ms Lawson said: "This is a great example of what can be achieved when the objectives of a landowner, funders, and other partners align. Adding Large Woody Structures to our rivers is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve degraded rivers for all wildlife and, in particular, Atlantic Salmon.

"We look forward to building on this success through future habitat restoration work with JHE."

Jonathan Hart, OBE, liaison manager for Jahama Highland Estates, said, "We are proud to have supported the Spey Catchment Initiative and helped deliver this successful project.

"This river restoration project is part Jahama Highland Estate and GFG’s long-term commitment to improving the ecological health of the upper Spey and its surrounding habitats. We are delighted that the LWS have already had a positive impact on the river's ecosystem.

"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations collaborate to tackle environmental challenges.

"The successful completion of the Glenshero River Restoration Project marks a significant milestone in improving the ecological health of the upper Spey. With its numerous benefits, this project sets an example for other regions looking to restore their rivers and protect their biodiversity."

The new Upper Spey River Restoration video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/tjFRAah4YCc

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.