Reay Forest Estate is collaborating with the Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) in a 10 year project which aims to better understand the River Laxford catchment and to restore numbers of wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout, barometers for the health of the whole ecosystem, by improving the quality and habitat of the river. The works, also supported by Marine Scotland Science and West Sutherland Fisheries Trust, include stabilising the riverbanks to stop sediment entering the watercourse; planting native tree species to develop new woodlands; help cool the water and improve its quality; and removing instream barriers and blockages.
In keeping with the Estate's aims of protecting and enabling rare habitats and the flora and fauna they support, this long-term project will support the conservation of these important and iconic species, delivering a lasting environmental benefit. With Atlantic salmon populations in decline right across their native range, it is vitally important that we take decisive action to maximise the number of healthy wild juvenile salmon smolts going to sea from our rivers.
Reay Forest has held WES accreditation since 2014; with their outstanding commitment to conserving and enhancing the natural environment impacting on a landscape scale. Linking with the network of similar rivers across Europe, ranging from the south of England to the north east coast of Iceland, the index river network aims to provide valuable information for river managers and policy makers to deliver impactful management actions, resulting in the better protection of Scotland’s flagship fish.