Burholme Bridge Habitat Project
Burholme Bridge is close to Whitewell in the stunning Forest of Bowland area. Here, a small tributary known as Red Skye flows into the main River Hodder. These tributaries are the ’arteries’ of our river system, so keeping these healthy ensures that the main rivers stay healthy. To help deliver this project, the Trust enlisted the help of volunteers to assist in the erection of nearly a kilometre of fencing, both along the banks of Red Skye and the main river, with materials funded by the Environment Agency.
Fencing along the banks of the River Hodder
The fencing prevents cattle from gaining access to the stream, something which can be damaging to the riverine ecosystem as they erode the banks, prevent the growth of bankside vegetation and disturb spawning fish. With the banks fenced off, a variety of flora will become established, more aquatic invertebrates will colonise the stream, and fish redds will be protected, encouraging the growth of salmon and trout populations in the catchment.
Come winter, a mixture of native trees are to be planted which will further enhance the river habitat, encouraging more birds and mammals to the area, and also helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. If anyone would like to volunteer a day to help us plant these trees, please get in touch.
Funded by;
