Angus Menzies and I are the coordinators for the River Monitoring Scheme of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. We are closely associated with a similar scheme run by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The scheme is of interest to keen anglers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, who both share a concern for the present and future health of our rivers.
The River Monitoring Scheme is based on the counting at regular intervals of key river insect species and other invertebrate groups as a method of assessing river quality. Many insect and invertebrate species are extremely sensitive to pollution levels and therefore their numbers act as an early warning system of any potential problems.
The methodology used is that of the Riverfly Partnership (www.riverflies.org). The numbers of 8 different groups of insects and other invertebrates are counted. Monitors are asked to carry out the surveys on a monthly basis between April and September, ideally at the same time each month, (weather and river conditions permitting). Many of our volunteers carry on outside these months, if it is safe to do, and also monitor redds (Brown Trout, and Salmon & Sea Trout spawning sites). Generally speaking these surveys take a minimum time of one hour.
On May 18th of this year we shall run a training day in Dorset both for potential monitors and also for those who would like a refresher. A similar day is being run at Langford Lakes on the River Wylye north west of Salisbury on 27th April 2013, for those who are unable to make the Dorset date.
It is intended to run a third training day later in the summer. If interested, please contact:
James Parkin or Angus Menzies Dorset Wildlife Trust 01305 217 976 or jparkin@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
With best wishes
James Parkin and Angus Menzies
Annual Meeting
Dorset Wildlife Trust River Monitoring Scheme
13th April 2013, 09.00 –12.30
Brooklands Farm, Forston, Dorchester DT2 7AA
Presentations will include
Contact James Parkin
Conservation Officer (Land use planning and rivers and wetlands)
Dorset Wildlife Trust
01305 217 976
jparkin@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
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