River Ribble - Manchester Anglers Association

Coordinator - Ian Fleming River Keeper

Sites      River Ribble (4) 
Team      8 (plus 4 supporting)
Activity   May 2007

The 4 monitoring sites are located within the MAA 12 mile fishery on the headwaters of the Ribble, North Yorkshire. 

In 2005 the Manchester Anglers Association (MAA) adopted a resolution which moved the management of the fishery from a policy of regular stocking with farm bred fish to a sustainable wild trout fishery.  No stocking has taken place on the fishery since 2005.  To achieve our aim of preserving our wild fish stock and presenting the highest standard of natural fishing we initiated a programme of conservation work on the river to ensure that our wild trout are able to recruit to their optimum potential.  As part of this conservation programme we set out to establish a baseline for our riverfly populations so that we can monitor the effectiveness of our work in helping to increase the number of riverflies and other invertebrates (eg. gammarus) present.  We now undertake a monthly survey at two of our four sites which will be increased to 3 from mid August 2008 (two have been monitored on a six monthly cycle but will progressively move to a monthly check). These sites were chosen as representative of the differing habitats on the fishery as well as being located in areas where we have carried out major habitat work and where fishing pressure is heaviest.  The sites are:

1. Tay Bridge - This site lies below all potential pollution sources on the fishery and is at the lower end of our waters.
2. New Inn Bridge - This site lies at the confluence of the main and one of the major feeder becks at the centre of Horton village.
3. Turn Dub - This site lies near a major spring inlet and at the lower end of major habitat work.
4. Selside - This site lies at the start of the Ribble proper where two major becks join and where we have undertaken extensive habitat work.

Further information and results are available from Coordinator Ian Fleming via info@riverflies.org

River Ribble, Hodder & Calder - Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust

Coordinator - Jack Spees & Catherine Birtwistle
Sites      River Ribble, Hodder and Calder
Team      32
Activity   May 2009

The Ribble Catchment Conservation Trust held two very popular and successful workshops in June 2010, largely funded by a grant received from the Big Lottery Fund.  After sending out emails to local angling clubs and other environmental organisations in the area, together with an advertorial in a local newspaper, both workshops quickly became over-subscribed.  Enthusiastic tutors and great weather made for two highly enjoyable days and feedback from volunteers was really positive.  The Trust feel privileged that so many local people are incredibly keen to help out with the monitoring programme to safeguard river habitats and would like to thank all the volunteers for their continued involvement.