Invertebrate monitoring at Strines 29-Jul-2008

Several DNMAC members joined Paul Gaskell, WTT Trout in the Town officer, at Strines to conduct an initial "before" sample of invertebrates prior to the river habitat improvements. Paul has recommended that we sample weekly at Strines throughout August to build-up this picture.

DNMAC member Ian Horrocks has volunteered to take the lead on invertebrate monitoring.

Project update 28-Jul-2008

The Environment Agency has confirmed that their own Operations Delivery team will carry-out the physical works supervised by experts from WTT. The start date agreed between all parties is Tuesday 26-Aug-2008. The advantage of this arrangement is EA Ops Delivery becomes skilled at river habitat improvement works.

Unfortunately EA Ops Delivery is not insured for DNMAC members to assist with the physical works.

We hope that a national angling journalist may be able to cover the works.

Invertebrate monitoring workshop 21-Jun-2008

Ten DNMAC members attended a workshop run by eminent angler and Caddis expert Stuart Crofts, assisted by Paul Gaskell (now WTT Trout in the Town officer). We learnt the technique of riffle sampling and were introduced to the bugs, grubs and small fishes which inhabit the bed of our river. The attendees paid for this course themselves.

Subsequently the DNMAC committee has agreed to fund the purchase of the equipment we need to conduct routine sampling.

Project kickoff meeting 21-May-2008

Scientists from the Environment Agency and the Wild Trout Trust met to determine the precise improvements to be done to the DNMAC Goyt. The meeting was a great success.

Following the meeting Dr Tim Jacklin, WTT, produced a detailed design for the Strines, Hague Bar, Mousley Bottom and Knathole sections.