Following the Environment Agency news release about the Thames Anglers Conservancy at Penton Hook, here is our most recent report. We have built up an excellent relationship with the EA fisheries team and look forward to it growing further.

14/05/2011 .Thames Anglers Conservancy volunteers including juniors, under the guidance of the Environment Agency Fisheries Team, are carrying a series of ongoing long term projects around Penton Hook Island.

The first project was to try to increase the flow through the important spawning channel that runs through the island. The flow had been reduced overtime by an accumulation of floating and sub subsurface debris from the main river. In areas silt had built up so creating less favourable habitat for fish to spawn.

The maintenance of the channel is ongoing to ensure it remains as the best habitat possible for fish, with regular clean ups of the main sluice. Work on any part where the gravels are will be left until later in the year, when it can be certain that the wildlife will not be affected and the flora are fauna is dying back.

The initial task was to remove branches and other detritus from the sluice gate, so to let more water flow down.

In clearing the sluice it raised the level of the channel by around three inches and created more flow, this in turn starting wash through the silt.

Further along more issues where vegetation had built up hence reducing the flow. Volunteers carefully removed any obstructions along the entire length.

An increase in flow and clarity farther downstream improving spawning grounds.

More clean gravel where Chub have been spotted moving up through, a great sign for the health of the stream.

In addition to the spawning channel, the Thames Anglers Conservancy are clearing the wood left by tree surgeons where it has blocked small paths and covered over areas of wild plants.

The larger logs are being piled to create Beetle Stacks which encourage all manner of insects and small animals to a safe haven and natural environment.

TAC