Ahead of this years smolt run we are looking to hold a volunteer morning or afternoon to remove a timber blockage on the Dyrock Burn (a tributary of the River Girvan) downstream of the sewage treatment works near Kirkmichael.
Our concern is that this blockage is impassable to upstream and downstream fish migration. Any smolts that are trying to descend to the mainstem river may not be able to do so. Maximising smolt output from every tributary (and the mainstem) is essential to maintaining and increasing fish populations.
If anyone is available next week (10th -14th April) and are willing to help with this work please get in touch by phoning the office on 01292 737300 or by emailing info@ayrshireriverstrust.org and we will arrange a day and time that suit the majority.
Waders and waterproofs will be required and we will supply gloves, tools etc.
By removing this blockage we should restore fish passage and allow fish access as well as improve sediment/substrate movement through the burn.
The burn is obviously backed up here and without some intervention will continue to hinder migration and will accumulate more and more debris.
