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Freshwater Habitats

Salmon, trout, eels and other freshwater fish require clean well-oxygenated water, a food supply and places to hide from predators. Most of the rivers and lochs of Wester Ross provide good habitat for adult and particularly juvenile fish.

View from Meall a' Ghubhais towards Kinlochewe

View from Meall a' Ghubhais towards Kinlochewe

Levels of production of fish and other wildlife in Wester Ross are limited by a lack of nutrients, particularly phosphorus. Soils are degraded and thin (as here in Beinn Eighe N'N'R). Ecosystems based on the recycling of nutrients from vegetation to herbivores to large predators and back into the soil are dysfunctional. Many catchment areas (like this one) are unnaturally barren as a result of decades of deforestation, loss of top predators, overgrazing, moor-burn and a lack of awareness and understanding of the potential to restore and rebuild more productive, biodiverse and vibrant ecosystems. Can the Scottish Government through agencies SNH and SEPA help to develop and demonstrate soil and fertility restoration methods on reserves like Beinn Eighe and thereby play a leading role in an increasingly vital global challenge or will visitors still be looking across barren, manmade rockscapes (scenically attractive though they may be to some) in another 50 years time?

Soils, ecosystem fertility & salmon smolt production in Wester Ross   [Close]
Soils, ecosystem fertility & salmon smolt production in Wester Ross [click to enlarge]

Soils, Ecosystem Fertility & Salmon Smolt Production in Wester Ross

This poster (click to enlarge) illustrates the soils, ecosystem fertility and salmon smolt production in Wester Ross.

Note that a larger Adobe PDF version is available for download, below.

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  • Juvenile salmon production and nutrition in Wester Ross 2023
    This report summarises the results of the juvenile salmon survey in Wester Ross in summer and early autumn, 2023. The report focusses on contrasting the size and biomass of juvenile salmon at different sites. There was much variation in growth; some sites had high densities of larger parr; at other sites parr were small and thin. Important missing food items for parr at some sites may include caddis fly larvae, terrestrial insects, and surplus washed-out salmon eggs which in some rivers may have been of crucial importance for pre-smolt salmon parr. Is it time to provide supplementary food for juvenile salmon in some rivers? .  Posted: 05/02/2024 (1.65MB)
  • WRFT Newsletter October 2023
    This newsletter provides a summary of work during the period March to September 2023 including sea trout sampling, juvenile salmon surveys and production, workshops and some other activities. .  Posted: 07/10/2023 (2.24MB)
  • Peatland nutrition, hummock formation and carbon sequestration poster
    This poster is based on observation in peatland areas of Wester Ross and shows how mossy hummocks may be formed by birds and other animals which deposit droppings rich in phosphate which fertilise the vegetation. What are the optimum levels of ecosystem-derived organic phosphate to support biodiversity and carbon sequestration in peatland areas? Poster by Peter Cunningham, prepared for the WRFT Catchment Vegetation Revival Workshop at Beinn Eighe NNR and Kinlochewe, 25th and 26th April 2023 .  Posted: 02/05/2023 (546KB)
  • Rough guide to deer stalking by Alasdair Macdonald
    This presentation by Alasdair Macdonald of Dundonnell estate discusses deer stalking and explains why some red deer carcasses may be left on the hill. Animals which are in poor condition and not fit for human consumption may be left on the hill for nutrient to be recycled. Bones and antlers are rich in valuable nutrients so best left on the hill. However once taken off the hill, regulations restrict the return of bones back on to the hill. .  Posted: 02/05/2023 (1.26MB)
  • Glen Torridon Partnership: a landscape-scale Nature Restoration Project by Malcolm Turner
    Presentation by Malcolm Turner, of the Woodland Trust, about a pioneering landscape-scale approach to long term habitat restoration in the Glen Torridon area, using nature-based solutions with neighbouring landowners and local communities to create habitats that are resilient to climate change and where biodiversity can flourish. Issues include the need to protect and restore fragments of rainforest, including spread of invasive Rhododendron ponticum, monitoring or red deer and prevention of wild fires. Presented at Catchment Vegetation workshop, Kinlochewe 26th April 2023.  Posted: 02/05/2023 (3.20MB)
  • Affric Highland Initiative by Paul Greaves
    Presentation by Paul Greaves from Trees for Life about 30-year project to scale up nature restoration for the future in support of local communities and businesses. With much background information describing the project area, the objectives, the people with whom the project works and the ways in which trees can be incorporated into the landscape with support from Trees for Life. Presented at Catchment Vegetation workshop, Kinlochewe 26th April 2023 .  Posted: 02/05/2023 (9.08MB)
  • Peatland restoration routes to success by Colin Morrison
    Presentation by Colin Morrison of Angus Davidson Ltd. focussing on issues and challenges faced in degraded peatland areas, the Peatland Action process, and outcomes for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Colin has much experience of developing and managing peatland restoration projects in the Wester Ross area and this presentation provides a very useful introduction to why, where and how. Presented at Catchment Vegetation workshop, Kinlochewe 26th April 2023.  Posted: 02/05/2023 (1.88MB)
  • Catchment vegetation, hummocks and wild salmon habitat resilience
    Presentation by Peter Cunningham about project to protect salmon habitat in the Ullapool River focussing on restoration of vegetation and ecosystem fertility in the upper catchment (Glen Douchary) with examples of hummocks from other parts of Wester Ross and poster. From Catchment Vegetation Revival Workshop, Kinlochewe 26th April 2023.  Posted: 02/05/2023 (23.52MB)
  • Catchment vegetation workshop introduction and field trip report
    Introduction to the WRFT Catchment Vegetation Revival meeting at Kinlochewe on 26th April 2023 and report from field trip to view hummocks and Donald McVean's fertilised plots by the Pony Path on Beinn Eighe NNR on 25th April 2023 by Dr Shraveena Venkatesh.  Posted: 02/05/2023 (6.28MB)
  • Little Loch Broom BRUV Surveys 2022
    Presentation by Dr Neil Hopkins and Dr Charlotte Hopkins describing animal movements in relation to seascapes and underwater habitats from baited underwater remote video survey of Gruinard Bay and Little Loch Broom in 2022, shown at Wester Ross MPA Discovery Day on 14th October 2022. Screenshots have been taken from video clips presented to illustrate animal diversity recorded. .  Posted: 08/11/2022 (1.47MB)
  • Wester Ross Marine Protected Area an introduction
    Presentation by Nature Scot describing the history of the Wester Ross MPA, designation, protected features, management and monitoring, with links to further information. This presentation was delivered at the Wester Ross MPA Discovery Day on 14th October by Sue Pomeroy of Little Loch Broom Marine Life group. .  Posted: 08/11/2022 (709KB)
  • Maerl by Prof Jason Hall-Spencer
    Maerl supports the whole web of life with 100s of species using it for spawning, nursery areas, hiding and feeding. This presentation by Prof Jason Hall-Spencer at Wester Ross MPA Discovery Day on 14th October explains why it is so important to protect maerl habitats. .  Posted: 27/10/2022 (1.92MB)
  • Status of Juvenile Wild Salmon in Wester Ross Northwest Scotland 2022
    This report provides a summary of the results of the 2021 juvenile fish survey in the Wester Ross area, and discusses findings and associated issues relating to the conservation and management of important wild salmon populations in the northwest of Scotland .  Posted: 01/02/2022 (5.70MB)
  • Welcome back to new WRFT_7MB
    This presentation (smartphone resolution) prepared for the relaunch of the 'new' Trust in April 2021 reviews wild salmon and sea trout in Wester Ross, some pressures they face, past work and support, and future objectives for WRFT. .  Posted: 13/04/2021 (6.73MB)
  • Welcome back to new WRFT_18MB
    This presentation (for computer) prepared for the relaunch of the 'new' Trust in April 2021 reviews the wild salmon and sea trout of Wester Ross, pressures they face, some past work and support, and future objectives for WRFT.  Posted: 13/04/2021 (17.66MB)
  • Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Trust Review September 2020
    This review presents a summary of the work of the Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Trust during the 15 months up to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and other related information including catch reports, results of fish surveys, an assessment of wild salmon populations and some of the pressures they face, and reports from project activities. .  Posted: 23/09/2020 (8.05MB)
  • Skye Fisheries Management Plan 2010
    The Skye Fisheries Management Plan was produced with support from the Scottish Government and a variety of other grant providers. The plan presents summaries of 14 rivers on Skye, assesses regional and local pressures affecting salmon and sea trout populations, and presents actions needed to support and restore wild fish populations and fisheries. .  Posted: 20/01/2020 (1.84MB)
  • Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
    This document provides background information and links to further information about this collaborative heritage lottery funded project, which focuses on mink monitoring and control, invasive plants and education and awareness; with lots of opportunities for volunteers!.  Posted: 18/02/2019 (522KB)
  • Feed the Land by Peter Cunningham
    This presentation considers the phosphorus deficit across much of Wester Ross and the need to understand ecosystem nutrition and ecosystem management requirements for grazing areas, croftlands, and for wildlife and fisheries management. .  Posted: 03/07/2017 (17.02MB)
  • Wester Ross Fisheries Trust Poster of Activities 2012
    This poster was prepared in 2012 to summarise the activities of the Trust in freshwater and marine environments. Production was supported by the Scottish Government via RAFTS.  Posted: 17/01/2017 (8.94MB)
  • Ecosystem Nutrition in Wester Ross Poster DRAFT1
    The poster has been drafted with some ideas for ways to conserve and replenish phosphorus within Wester Ross. The file includes some explanation of the ideas presented. Comments welcome! .  Posted: 18/11/2016 (987KB)
  • Refertilising Wester Ross
    Programme for the workshop on 8th April 2016 and presentation by Peter Cunningham considering long term changes in the availability of the limiting nutrient phosphorus across much of Wester Ross and the need for ecosystem refertilisation.  Posted: 12/04/2016 (8.76MB)
  • Refertilising Wester Ross 7-9 April 2016 programme
    Programme for three-day meeting to review issues relating to the fertility and productivity of land and freshwaters in Wester Ross, including speakers for the workshop on Friday 8th April in the Gairloch Community Hall.  Posted: 28/03/2016 (810KB)
  • Wester Ross Marine Wildlife Poster
    This poster shows some of the marine wildlife habitats and marine wildlife to be found around Wester Ross including habitats of nature conservation importance within the possible Wester Ross Marine Protected Area. Copies are available from WRFT.  Posted: 18/07/2014 (1.22MB)
  • Little Gruinard FMP April 2011 Part 3
    Little Gruinard River FMP April 2011 Part 3.  Posted: 03/02/2011 (13.82MB)
  • Refertilising Scotland part 2
    Part 2 of presentation given by Peter Cunningham at the Reforesting Scotland Annual meeting at Torridon Village Hall on 25th September 2010.  Posted: 27/09/2010 (15.03MB)
  • Refertilising Scotland part 1
    Part 1 of presentation given by Peter Cunningham at Reforesting Scotland Annual meeting at Torridon Village Hall on 25th September 2010.  Posted: 27/09/2010 (25.99MB)
  • The Aquatic Beasties of Laide Wood
    notice about forthcoming event at Laide Community woodland on 20th August 2010.  Posted: 02/08/2010 (570KB)
  • Wester Ross and Lochalsh Biosecurity Plan
    Wester Ross and Lochalsh Biosecurity Plan.  Posted: 03/02/2010 (1.83MB)
  • Response to Beinn Eighe NNR Management Plan September 2009
    Response from Peter Cunningham to Beinn Eighe NNR Management Plan.  Posted: 02/10/2009 (174KB)
  • WRFT FMP 2009+ Summary
    WRFT Fisheries Management Plan 2009+ Summary and Contents page.  Posted: 25/02/2009 (4.06MB)
  • Improving Habitats for Salmon and Trout Production in Wester Ross
    PDF version of presenation by Peter Cunningham (WRFT Biologist) at WRFT-FWAG workshop on 26th January 2009. Note that this is a large 25 MB file with many pictures and will take several minutes to downlaod even with a Broadband connection.  Posted: 04/02/2009 (24.86MB)
  • Land Use and Salmon Smolt Production in Wester Ross
    Presentation given by Peter Cunningham at the WRFT Ecosystem Fertility and Salmon Smolt Production Seminar on 30th November 2007. Describes growth of juvenile salmon in Wester Ross and how this relates to soil fertility and land management. Note large size of file!.  Posted: 05/09/2008 (22.41MB)
  • Soils, Ecosystem Fertility & Salmon Smolt Production in Wester Ross
    This poster illustrates the soils, ecosystem fertility and salmon smolt production in Wester Ross.  Posted: 24/06/2008 (569KB)