Montford Weir
Around 30 weirs have been identified on the Calder system that pose significant barriers to spawning ground for migrating fish such as salmon and trout. Montford weir near Brierfield was one such barrier, situated between the Trust’s ongoing works at Padiham and Barrowford. As the weir was no longer in use, the Trust reduced it in height by removing and re-shaping some of the existing stone blocks that comprised the weir. The removed stone was then placed downstream in order to deepen the pool below the weir so that the fish would have a sufficient depth of water from which to clear the remaining obstacle. The work was done during low flow conditions and a sediment trap was used to prevent too much silt polluting the water downstream. The removal of the weir resulted in a faster flow and a lower level of water, leaving some of the river channel exposed. In a very short period of time new vegetation will begin to grow on the exposed banks which will provide increased habitat for river mammals such as water voles.
Montford Weir before (October 2009) and after (March 2010)
The removal of Montford weir, together with those at Padiham and Barrowford, will provide migratory and non-migratory fish access to the upper reaches of the Calder system, which will in turn lead to a greater variety of mammals, birds and invertebrates in the upstream river habitat. We expect that fishermen, walkers and birdwatchers alike will be able to take full advantage of this newly created biodiversity.
