The River Ericht: one of the most important spawning grounds for Atlantic salmon in Europe, is in crisis. Extreme weather caused by climate change, historic and current land management practices and invasive species, are damaging the quantity and quality of water in the river and the health of its vegetation, woodlands and wildlife. As a result, salmon numbers are in steep decline and in danger of disappearing altogether.
The new River Ericht Catchment Restoration project has been set up in response to this crisis. With a founding group of local angling, environmental and community-led organisations, they are taking a catchment-scale approach to reviving this important river system. Increasingly, it is being understood that the health of our rivers, and therefore the species that live in them, is determined by the surrounding land-use and health of the broader river catchments. By taking a catchment-scale approach to river health, we can restore their natural ecology, boost biodiversity, sequester carbon, and benefit communities.
Kickstarted through a Riverwoods Investment Readiness Pioneers Award in 2023, the team are now developing a replicable approach to attracting private and public investment into riparian restoration and nature recovery at different scales.
Find out more at erichtcatchment.scot and contact bioregioningtayside@gmail.com for more information.