This is a brief e-mail to inform you where we are at with the grayling genetics project and to thank you all for your involvement so far. To date, we have collected over 700 samples and these will be sent over to Bangor University today. A post doc will be undertaking the lab analysis work beginning in July.
As I see things, we have completed the fin clip collection from the following rivers (unless you know different?):
Annan, Avon (Hampshire), Welsh Dee, Derwent (Derbyshire), Derwent (Yorkshire), Dorset Frome, Dove, Earn, Itchen, Test, Ure & Wylye.
There are rivers where sampling is part complete (approximate number of samples in brackets):
Aire (17), Eden (39), Pickering Beck (13), Ribble (20), Severn (39), Welsh Wye (14), Wharfe (21)
The final category is rivers where a small number of samples have been taken or these are important grayling fisheries which should be included if possible:
Clyde, Driffield West Beck (5), Hodder, Irfon (6), Kennet, Lambourn, Tweed, Teviot, Vyrnwy
With the new grayling angling season just a week away (in England & Wales), we could do with anglers getting out fishing for grayling in rivers in the second and third categories – otherwise we’ll miss the opportunity to get this catchments incorporated in the project. For those who kindly volunteered to collect samples or co-ordinate collection in the incomplete catchments, would you please e-mail or telephone me soon to tell me if you need vials or perhaps additional anglers to help achieve the 50 fin clips by the end of July / mid August. Otherwise I’m happy to let you complete the task. If you feel there is little chance of collecting the 50 samples, please call me to discuss.
Cheers, Rich
The Club is a private one, founded in 1877, of approximately sixty-four members and six Town Rod subscribers. The Club’s waters consist of about 12 miles of wild brown trout & grayling fishing in the main River Frome, River Cerne and River Piddle, together with attendant carriers and side streams. The waters extend both above and below the town of Dorchester and the Club employs a part-time keeper.
The Angling Trust's guidance for anglers during this second lockdown. Fish safely, locally and respect the ‘rule of two’ during lockdown Click Here :-- Advice for Individual Anglers
Price £50 per ticket per day or three days for £100
Day Tickets are only available during the trout season and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Bank Holidays. (season 1st April – 14th October)
The Police have made it quite clear that poaching is a crime in progress covered by the 1968 Theft Act. Members should always call 999 to report it and not phone the keeper. Without a report the police will not be aware of the extent of a problem.
If possible note or photo vehicles.
Stress if you are vulnerable/elderly or at risk of intimidation..
In order to give the call handler an accurate location they recommend putting the “what3words” app on your smartphone. Click here…
Angling’s representative body, the Angling Trust, has a web site for anglers to record sightings of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers throughout the UK: www.cormorantwatch.com The site is easy to use and will gather vital data to help persuade government of the need for action to protect fisheries.
Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish, block waterways and banks, interfering with fishing. They can be small and hard to spot, so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment.
Protect the environment and fishing you enjoy, by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.
To find out more please visit
the NNSS Website