Dumfries and Galloway salmon 'maternity hospital' gets power up from SP Energy Networks
Volunteers from the firm met Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board to plant 1,000 trees at Crawick Water.
Dumfries and Galloway's number one salmon 'maternity hospital' has been given a power up.
Ahead of World Environment Day volunteers from SP Energy Networks met Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board at Crawick Water to plant 1,000 trees.
The project aims to protect the salmon spawning ground from river bank erosion and habitat loss.
Crawick Water runs from the Lowther Hills to join the River Nith at Crawick near Sanquhar, playing a crucial role in salmon breeding, as well as supporting diverse wildlife and rare plants.
Trees including alder, cherry and Scots pine were planted by the volunteers, who came from all departments of SP Energy Networks, and their work is expected to enhance the habitats surrounding the river, providing increased shading and cooler water.
Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board director, Jim Henderson, said: 'We are are very grateful for the assistance given by SP Energy Networks on their latest riparian woodland habitat scheme on the Crawick Water at Sanquhar.
' The financial contribution from SP Energy Networks made the project possible. However, our trust were unaware that they employed such talented tree planters within their ranks. We could hardly keep up with the team on the volunteering day.
'The Crawick day was good humoured with all contributing to a worthwhile cause. Nith fisheries staff work on all SP Energy Networks' projects within the Nith catchment and enjoy a good working relationship with a joint goal of protecting the River Nith and its environment.'
The newly planted trees will also help filter pollutants and sediments from runoff, improving water quality. It is hoped the planting will also help stabilise riverbanks, reduce erosion and act as natural flood mitigation through bank reinforcement and water absorption.
Sustainability specialist at SP Energy Networks, Tayler Henderson, said: 'The tree planting day at Crawick Water was a fantastic opportunity for our team to contribute to vital local environmental restoration efforts. By planting these trees, we're helping to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and support salmon populations in the area.
'This initiative is just one example of SP Energy Networks' commitment to delivering biodiversity and creating a better future for our communities. We look forward to hosting more volunteer days like this to continue our work in protecting and enriching our natural environment.'
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