Off-Stream Spawning Channels
The purpose of constructing off-stream channels is to encourage spawning potential in an attempt to increase juvenile survival of salmonids in the Ribble catchment. The Trust has so far constructed several off-stream channels around the catchment including;
- Boyces Brook, Ribchester
- Stock Beck
- Langden
- Sabden Brook
- Dunsop
- Ings Beck
The off-stream channels are dug out from an access point upstream at a specific angle in order to control the speed and quantity of flow through both the off-stream and the main channels. The spawning channel then rejoins the main stream further down at a narrow angle so as to reduce the risk of erosion. A typical off-stream channel may be up to 200m in length and up to 1.5m wide. Large stones are placed at intervals along the channel to create a pool and riffle sequence, and gravel is added to the stream bed in order to provide optimum spawning conditions for salmonids.
Boyces Brook – before and after
Dunsop off-stream channel containing salmonids
