River Teith Catchment Project Monitoring

Staff have been out collecting important information as part of the Teith Catchment Project, more specifically associated with the works on the River Larig.

Staff have been surveying everything from fish, invertebrates, otters, mussels and in stream habitat to help build a picture of the river channel and wildlife locally before the works start so that long term monitoring can take place going forward. Most of the changes wont be seen for many years to come but having this information will definitely help track future changes.

The information also helps us apply for the various permissions required to work in rivers. Whether it is for the Controlled Activities Regulation (CAR) license or the permissions to work within the Special Area of Conservation, this information will help us in the short term so we do not cause any unnecessary damage to existing wildlife populations.

Thankfully though, most of our work takes place out of the river with only a few elements such as the large woody debris placement and bank protection taking place within it. Mitigation is always put in place to reduce the risk of damaging wildlife. Ffish rescues and the pre surveys help make sure wood is being placed in the most optimal place and does not damage any existing fish populations. We will continue to update everyone of our progress.

The Teith Catchment Project is funded by NatureScot ’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park .