News
Catrine fish pass extension
The fish pass was flowing tonight at just below the designed capacity of 0.5 cubic metres per second. The extension was completed and apart from a bit of rock armour required at the top side, I think it looks sound and should hold up to the force of the spates that...
Large sea trout scale
I took scale samples from the large trout we found dead at Enoch Farm Bridge on Monday. Trout of this size are a rarity in Ayrshire these days but even when more numerous, a sea trout of this size would have been a trout to remember. The fish wasn't weighed but...
Updates from SEPA on the recent events on the Girvan and Stinchar.
SEPA called me today to let me know that their ecologists had taken samples from both the Girvan and Stinchar following the mortalities that we have reported this week. Water samples were taken and results are yet to be available from them however invertebrate samples...
Himalayan balsam discovered in the Ayr catchment
Whilst following the Coyle upstream, we eventually arrived at the Kerse Burn where we discovered a relatively new infestation of Himalayan balsam, The plant densities found indicate that this outbreak is relatively new, possibly in it's second or third year. We...
Girvan and Stinchar updates
I arranged to meet the Fish Health Inspector at the Girvan today and then go on to the Stinchar. As he was coming from Aberdeen, we attempted to catch 5 dying fish for him to sample to determine whether or not these fish mortalities were as a result of natural stress...
Water temperatures dangerously high
We are facing a catastrophe on two Ayrshire rivers at the moment and there's nothing we can do about it. The Stinchar and the Girvan are both affected by extremely high water temperatures of around 23ºC, and fish are dying in the lower reaches. The Kirkhill beat near...
Catrine update
Although there hasn't been much to report recently, that doesn't mean things have ground to a halt. Yesterday the contractors poured a huge mortar slab which was setting up nicely today. The base to the fish pass extension was poured last week and today, the...
Girvan pollution update
Following our visit yesterday where we discovered a slurry pollution situation at a farm in the Barlewan catchment, I am pleased to report that the landowners have taken our concerns on board and cleaned up the affected area. I am grateful to them for their prompt...
Photo Gallery
River Map Prints
We have three fine art map prints available to buy.
