Welcome
The Ayrshire Rivers Trust (ART) is a Scottish Registered Charity SC030426, based within the Auchincruive Campus of the Scottish Agricultural College in Ayr. ART was formed in the year 2000, and aims to reverse the significant decline in local freshwater fish stocks through improved scientific management and long-term restoration of our local rivers.
The immediate goal of the Trust was to raise sufficient funds to employ a full time biologist to begin the work. This was duly carried out, and the Trust's first biologist began work in February 2002.10 years on the trust now employs three full-time biologists and one part-time administrator. It has become clear to the Trust that there are many opportunities to enhance the environment in and around our rivers, both to improve fish stocks, and also to bring wider biodiversity benefits, including invasive weeds and water voles.
Latest News
Jan 27, 2012
Despite Press and TV coverage and the endless efforts of organisations such as ourselves, there remains the huge problem of lack of awareness when it comes to dealing with Japanese Knotweed and other non native species . ART has been active delivering seminars to Local Authorities in an effort to halt the spread of INNS, especially by frontline staff that come into contact with these plants... [more]
Jan 27, 2012
ART became aware of a water quality problems on the Doon late on Monday afternoon that had been traced back to Calmerston Open Cast Site near Dalmellington. Scottish coal met with me on site on Tuesday morning along with a representative from the DDSFB. It appears there was a landslide in a steep glen just upstream of a culvert... [more]
Jan 15, 2012
We are often asked for details of individual clubs and fishing availability across Ayrshire from visitors and locals alike. I would like to set up a page on our web site that contains contact details for clubs and where the public can buy permits. Any club secretaries that wish details posted on a dedicated page please let either Gillian or myself have the details as soon as you can and we will get this up and running in time for the 2012 season... [more]
Jan 12, 2012
Unfortunately our Treasurer George Steel passed away and his cremation will take place tomorrow Friday 13th January at the Masonhill crematorium, Ayr, KA6 6EN at 2pm. George has been with the Trust from the beginning and we are all very grateful for his help throughout the years. He will be sadly missed by all staff and trustees. [more]
Jan 10, 2012
I had a quick visit to Galston area yesterday to have a look at the weir at the Muckle Bridge for club members who are concerned about its impact on salmon migration especially late in the season when fish appear to struggle to get over it. The weir was 'patched up' by council sub contractors in 2010 after a hole appeared... [more]
