The fate of wild trout in our rivers and streams prompted over 110 people to gather at a conference in Appleby this week. Entitled “Trout Stream Management in the Real World”, the event was organised by Eden Rivers Trust and held at the Tufton Arms Hotel in Appleby.
Delegates and speakers came from all over the United Kingdom and also included numerous landowners and members of fishing associations in the Eden Valley.
Papers were presented on the very latest research and advice on managing rivers for trout. Topics included river habitat restoration, invasive species management, monitoring, fisheries management and best practice case studies.
The key note speaker was Andrew Ferguson (Professor Emeritus Queen University Belfast) who gave an excellent talk on “Genetic Considerations in Trout Stream Management”. This explained how wild trout populations are genetically varied and that this is critical in maintaining the abundance and adaptability of trout, especially in the light of potential climate changes.
The conference included a very special event on the Tuesday night called “How Good Was Your River?” Thirty guests who have fished the River Eden since the late-1930’s came along to share their thoughts and experiences about the Eden and it’s populations of wild trout and salmon.
During the evening guests described how the river had changed over the years and suggested possible causes for declines in trout and salmon numbers. The information captured during the evening will shortly be available on the Eden Rivers Trust website – www.edenriverstrust.org.uk.
The Trust is also keen to gain access to any more historical records, fishing diaries, minute books, articles and photos of the fishing that this river, steeped in such a rich angling heritage, has provided.
The sponsors of the conference included The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Wild Trout Trust, Environment Agency (Penrith), APEM Aquatic Consultancy, Institute of Fisheries Management, Salmon & Trout Association and Natural England.
Simon Johnson, Director of Eden Rivers Trust, said, “The two day workshop brought together a fantastic array of world class experts on trout stream management. This facilitated a highly stimulating debate which I am sure will lead to on the ground practical work to improve rivers for trout. This will help to deliver our goal here at Eden Rivers Trust of establishing thriving populations of wild fish in healthy rivers and streams in the Eden catchment.”
If you would like to learn more about the work of Eden Rivers Trust, you can visit www.edenriverstrust.org.uk. Alternatively, email office@edenriverstrust.org.uk or telephone the office, which is at Skirsgill Business Park, Penrith, on tel. no. 01768 866788.
