Fish can now go with the flow at Big Humpty
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY LAUNCHES SCHEME TO HELP BOOST STOCKS
A PROJECT which aims to help fish thrive in east Manchester’s waterways is being launched.
The Environment Agency is to create a ‘fish passage’ scheme in Clayton Vale Park on the River Medlock.
It’s to help local fish, including brown trout and chub, swim through a culvert known as ‘The Big Humpty.’
Baffles – which are panels that direct water flow – will be installed to help the fish swim upstream.
The project forms a part of a wider strategy, being developed with Manchester council and Groundwork, to connect and improve the ecology of the river in Philips Park and Clayton Vale.
The Environment Agency conducted a feasibility study last year to establish how best to improve fish passage between the two parks, and baffles were found to be the most effective method.
They help ease the movement of fish by increasing the depth of water and producing a slower flow.
The Environment Agency’s operations team have designed and will install the baffles to aid the fish migration.
Mark Easedale, an Environment Agency area environment manager for Greater Manchester, said: “The Environment Agency continues to invest in our rivers and natural habitats.
“By introducing the baffles into the Medlock we are helping fish that have been displaced downstream to regain access to the upstream river.”
The scheme has taken two years to complete and aims to improve fish stocks.