River Wylye
John Aplin & I spent a very pleasant evening up on the River Wylye (Wilton Fly Fishing Club) attending an open evening to show off their recent river improvement works.
This was part of the STREAM Project’s efforts to restore the river for wildlife such as Atlantic salmon and the rare brook lamprey. The river was in serious need of help, with repeated dredging over the years making it unsuitable for the wildlife that traditionally lives in our local chalk rivers. (http://www.streamlife.org.uk/)
Working with the Wilton Estate and Wilton Fishing club, STREAM set about livening up the Wylye by putting back a more natural river channel. The work was finished in November last year and fish immediately moved in to spawn in the rejuvenated reaches.
This was a joint project with many partners involved, including Dr Allan Frake from the Environment Angency, who has been involved with many of our own projects. So it wasn’t surprising to see similar methods used to successfully restore this once canal like stretch..
The evening was open to all, especially local residents, which is something we must do when we complete our next project. Many thanks to all those from the Stream Project, Environment Agency, Wilton Fly Fishing Club (especially Fran and those wonderful cakes!)
The Club
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.
