As part of the clubs ongoing commitment to improve the river habitat and help fish stocks recover, 100 tonnes of gravel were placed in the upper parts of St. Patrick’s stream during Loddon Rivers Week.

The 20-40mm angular flint gravel locks together on the river bed forming a perfect environment for species such as chub, barbel and dace to spawn on.

With advice from the South East River Trust, EA and LFCC we placed the gravel in specific areas, some over existing spawning grounds replenishing existing gravel beds as well as in new areas in close proximity to provide new eddies, rippling flows, shallow runs and deeper pools for the adult brood stock. We also ensured there was adequate tree and reed cover to give the best environment we can to encourage our existing stock to make home and more importantly spawn here in future years.

A fish haven for Juvenile fish to use in high/flood water was also dug out earlier this year in the same area adding even greater diversity to the area we were focusing on.

The gravel project for St. Patrick’s stream has now been running for 3 years making improvements to 3 well known existing spawning grounds which unfortunately over time have compacted and silted over reducing the chances for fish to spawn successfully.

We have seen some very positive signs over the past two years where fish have started to use and spawn on the new gravel bars within hours of being put in.  We hope this may long continue and over time we see our fish stocks slowly improve. Thank you to all our volunteers as well as support from the EA, SERT and LFCC.