Water vole update

We recently introduced a supplementary stock of water voles to the Darley Burn in Troon.  Three weeks following the reintroduction, field signs are abundant and we are confident that they are doing well. From last year’s experience we know that water voles can...

More about the monster Hogweed

It’s great having Alba to assist with our Invasive species research. The only trouble is that she keeps producing more and more data! Seriously, she is fantastic and a real asset.  I’ve summarised some of her latest findings that I thought blog followers...

Electrofishing season starts soon

If the rain holds off and water levels drop, we should be able to start electrofishing next week. Anyone interested in coming along to see what we do and hopefully learn a bit about the river will be made welcome. Of course we will expect a bit of help carrying...

Giant Hogweed…incredible roots

While we have spent the last 4 years controlling Giant Hogweed on the River Ayr, it is only now that we are starting to look closer at the plant itself. Last year we controlled a plot of land opposite Dobbies Garden Centre near Holmston. This land was very badly...

RIVER AYR ALERT!!!!!!!

Himalayan Balsam was found on the lower River Ayr today. This is disappointing to say the least but not something that hasn’t been expected to occur at some point. I was spraying the few surviving Giant Hogweed plants on the Craigie stretch when I came across 4...

Balsam Bash at Barr

Meryl organised a balsam bashing day at Barr and a few volunteers turned out today despite the weather. They made a huge difference at Changue House. Have a look at the Carrick InvasivesWeb page at  https://www.ayrshireriverstrust.org/cisp/barr-balsam-bash-success/ or...

Volunteer Evening & CIRB update

Due to adverse weather conditions the completion of the Giant Hogweed control has been delayed somewhat. Our contractors have completed work on the Rivers Irvine and Garnock as well as the Annick Water and Water of Coyle. The River Ayr work has almost been completed...