The Environment Agency is restocking the upper River Stour following a pollution incident in August 2007 that killed a recorded 3,000 coarse fish.
Thousands of roach, bream and chub, which have been reared at the Environment Agency’s Calverton Fish Farm, will be stocked in the river around Hinton St Mary. These were the main species affected by the pollution incident and this stocking of young fish will help the fish population recover.
‘After the pollution we made an assessment of the condition of the river and found that it was suitable to stock. We will continue to monitor the river and work with the local angling clubs to ensure that the affected part of the river returns to its former glory,’ said Andy Martin for the Environment Agency.
The organic pollutant which entered the River Lydden rapidly spread downstream during a period of high river flows. Fish where discovered dead on the lower river Lydden and from where it joins the Stour at Kings Mill down to the Hinton St Mary area.
Due to the nature of the event it was not possible to identify the exact source of the pollutant but, from evidence gathered, it is believed to have been from an agricultural source. Severe localised storms in mid August are believed to have flushed slurry or dairy waste into the river. Farms have been visited in the catchment to raise awareness with local landowners of the impact organic matter can have on the river.
