If You Build It……
What do we mean by habitat enhancements? Our rivers are occupied by numerous different species of fish and invertebrates and they require a variety of “features” in the channel suitable for their various life stages. Some fish need gravel to spawn (lay their eggs) whilst others need in-channel vegetation, woody debris in the channel provides refuge from predators whilst overhanging tree branches
We identify opportunities for habitat enhancements through our programme of walkover surveys and provision of advice to landowners. These range from increasing in and out of channel habitats such as gravel spawning areas and tree planting for shade to creating fish refuges (backwaters) and re-aligning sections of straightened (canalized) or piped channel (daylighting).
Habitat is also enhanced through blocking overland pathways or the trapping of sediment which can smoother important in-channel features.
Much of this work is undertaken with the help of volunteers so if you are interested in helping out, sign up to our e-newsletter below or find out more about how you can get involved.
Installing Gravel
Berms Constructed on the Adur
Creating Fish Refuge Areas
Planting Trees
Support our work by becoming a member, making a donation or signing up as a volunteer for one of our activities
The Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust
OART is a membership based organisation dedicated to the environmental protection and enhancement of the Sussex River Ouse and Adur including their tributaries, estuaries and still waters.
The Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust (OART) is a registered charity (No: 1082447) formed in 2011 from the amalgamation of two long-standing local organisations, the River Adur Conservation Society and Sussex Ouse Conservation Society.
Contact us at info@oart.org.uk