The River Windrush and its tributaries have experienced a significant decline in grayling populations over the past 25 years. This worrying trend has been linked to the species’ susceptibility to several factors, including deteriorating water quality, habitat degradation, and the increasing encroachment of the non-native American signal crayfish.
In response to this alarming decline, a new initiative aims to establish and sustain a resilient 'arc' population of grayling within the catchment area. This spring, the Environment Agency’s fishery officers have released approximately 1,500 juvenile graylings into the Sherborne Brook, a tributary of the Windrush, on the National Trust's Sherborne estate. The brook was chosen as the receptor site due to its well-managed habitat and relatively undisturbed and unpolluted channel, which provide excellent conditions for feeding and spawning. Its clean, oxygen-rich waters and diverse invertebrate population offer an ideal environment for the grayling to thrive.
These juveniles were carefully reared from wild broodstock at the Environment Agency’s Calverton Fish Rearing Facility in Nottinghamshire and transferred to their new habitat at three months old. The meticulous rearing process ensures that the young graylings are healthy and robust, increasing their chances of survival and adaptation to their new environment.
The objective of the project is to continue this initiative until a stable, self-sustaining breeding population of grayling, known affectionately as the ‘lady of the stream', is established in the Sherborne Brook, using it as a launch pad for further expansion. Success will be monitored through catch records and the Environment Agency’s own fish counts, providing valuable data on the growth and spread of the grayling population.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the expertise and support of the Cotswold Fly Fishers and the Cotswolds Rivers Trust. Together with the Environment Agency, we are committed to enhancing the ecological health of the River Windrush and the restoration of the grayling population. This initiative not only aims to boost grayling numbers but also serves as a model for conservation efforts, demonstrating how targeted habitat enhancement and a little helping hand can reverse the decline of native species and restore the balance of our river ecosystems.
The success of this project could have far-reaching implications for other river systems facing similar challenges, showcasing the importance of habitat restoration, pollution control, and community involvement in preserving our natural heritage. By fostering a sustainable environment for grayling and other native species, we can ensure the long-term health and vitality of the River Windrush and its tributaries.
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