Removal of artificial barrier on the River Petteril

Fish will now find it easier to reach their vital spawning grounds thanks to the removal of this artificial barrier on the River Petteril in Harraby Green, Carlisle.
This was a partnership project between the Environment Agency and Eden Rivers Trust to remove a disused structure from the river, enabling fish to move more freely along this section of the river and improving conditions for all wildlife to thrive.
Migratory fish populations are in decline. There are many factors that contribute to this, such as barriers to migration, overfishing, disease and loss of habitat.
Removing artificial barriers is one thing that can be done relatively easily to help make their annual migration a less challenging experience.
It will make it easier for adult fish to return to their spawning grounds further upstream in the Eden catchment and also allow smolts (younger fish) to migrate more freely downstream ready to head out to sea once they have matured.
Artificial structures are not just a physical barrier, they also change the nature of the riverbed. They prevent the formation of features such as riffles, pools and gravel bars that support the wide variety of insects and small fish that other water-dependent species such as mayflies, otters, birds and bats rely on.
Projects such as this help to restore the mosaic of habitats and natural river processes that are essential for a healthy river system.
The removal will be carried out by Ebsford Environmental, aquatic restoration contractors who are experienced in delivering barrier removal projects in Northern England.
The project was possible thanks to funding from EA's Water Environment Improvement Fund.