River Avon to benefit from improved water quality

A partnership between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and a local landowner has been set up to enhance water quality on a stretch of the Hampshire Avon.

The river has suffered from sediment pollution in recent years, with a poorly-maintained farm track at Berwick St James in Wiltshire frequently causing silt to run into the watercourse.

However, measures have now been taken to prevent sediment reaching this part of the river, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important spawning ground for salmon.

A new drain has been installed to capture silt from the track, while ditches have been dug out to divert run-off into the surrounding fields.

Peter Hayes, president of local angling group the Till Fly Fishers Association, commented: "This project has significantly reduced the amount of sediment entering the river.

"The future now looks much more positive for our salmon and trout stocks."

Rising east of Devizes in Wiltshire, the Hampshire Avon reaches the sea at Christchurch Harbour in Dorset, where it converges with the River Stour.

Posted by Lauren Steadman