NDSFB has been involved in habitat enhancement initiatives for many years.  Following on from an initial catchment wide juvenile salmonid survey conducted in 1991 by Dr Alistair Stephen, habitat degradation was identified as a problem in some areas of the Nith catchment.  Schemes to upgrade the habitat for juvenile salmonids were developed.  These included, fencing off and planting of riparian zones and the removal of obstructions to the free passage of spawner's.  It is worthwhile emphasising the benefits of each of these initiatives:

Fencing off and planting of river banks promotes the growth of riparian vegetation and denies grazing by agricultural stock.  River banks are subsequently stabilised and the vegetation provides draped cover for fish to hide under. Terrestrial invertebrates thrive on bankside vegetation  and these nvertebrates form part of the diet for juvenile salmonids and other species of fish.  Vegetation falling into the river from riparian plants forms detritus which also encourages invertebrates.

Board Members Sophy Weatherall and Gordon McGregor recently attended on site at the Wanlock Water.  The Members were there to inspect the most recent habitat works to be completed.  Sea trout is the number one management priority for NDSFB currently.  The Wanlock Water is considered to be one of the most favoured spawning tributaries for sea trout in the River Nith catchment.  Therefore investment has been made to protect this habitat.  Works included riparian fencing and tree planting in a very challenging location within our catchment.  This habitat improvement scheme has been made possible by the land owner, his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, tenant farmer Mr Brian Dickie and the skill and professionalism of Buccleuch Estates fencing team.

Fencing works and associated planting has been conducted at the following locations throughout the catchment.