Work at Howden weir are progressing well with AMCO Griffen constructing the main pools which will form the rock ramp and help fish over the weir. The contractor has also started work on the new low flow channel which will run down the right hand channel (looking downstream). The low flow channel will allow the fish pass to work at a range of river levels so fish can swim up and over the weir at most, if not all times of the year. The contractors have brought in rock that they are using to build the ramp and have started fixing the rocks into the river bed. It is an exciting time on the project as the rock ramp starts to take shape.
The rock ramp is created by fixing rock in such a way to create large pools and runs for fish to leap and swim over the weir. This is the next best option if the weir cannot be removed (in the case of Howden Weir) as the ramp caters for a larger range of species and sizes of fish within the river. The rock ramp at Howden is also constructed across the full face of the weir, preserving the structure and allowing fish to swim over at any location rather than having to funnel into a narrow opening like some fish passes. This will make it an interesting feature to view from the adjacent viewing platform.
Time-lapse of the works is still being recorded and we will post the next instalment next week.
If you have any questions about the works the project will be holding an event on Saturday between 11am and 12pm at the viewing platform opposite the weir. The project’s Ecological Clerks of Work (ECoW’s) will be on hand to answer any questions about the construction of the rock ramp and protection of wildlife during the works. If you cant make it along on Saturday, we have added large information panels on the heras fencing next to the path with lots of interesting information about the project and works.
RiverLife: Almond & Avon is a partnership project between the Trust, West Lothian Council and The City of Edinburgh Council funded by The Scottish Government, Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Water Environment Fund.
