|
DEVON ANGLING ASSOCIATION
|
|
NEWSLETTER DEVON ANGLING REVIEW Issue 12 Winter 2009 |
|
The newsletter is available in full as a Word document and a pdf file
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Season 2009 saw sustained activity from the DAA committee and, I might add, from other agencies, in trying to improve access along the riverbanks and to prevent build-up of debris likely to exacerbate flooding.
1.Clackmannanshire Council has removed blockages and some dangerous trees
2.Diageo have been instrumental in creating a new fish pass at the weir at Cambus - the effectiveness of this new structure has yet to be determined.
3.However, the major effort has again come from the Wednesday afternoon work parties who have been very busy. To give some idea of the scope of such activities, the following are a few of the tasks undertaken:
- strimming of river banks at Alva, Marchglen, Tait's Tomb to Rackmill
- repair of stiles at Wester Sheardale and renewal of stiles at Linnbank and the Equestrian Centre
- removal of trees in the river or on pathways at Tait's Tomb, the Haugh, Rackmill
- removal of brambles and other debris from spawning burns
- co-operating with Stirling and Clackmannanshire Environmental Trust in tackling areas of Himalayan balsam
The Association is indebted to the work of our honorary bailiffs Tom Kristiansen and Jim McGuire on the river and of Graham Livingstone at Glenquey. We hope to add to our bailiff strength for next season.
The Committee has now produced a Management Plan for the River Devon and among other things will be looking at further links with the Clackmannanshire Biodiversity Partnership. Here is your chance to keep a diary of sightings of the flora and fauna in and around our river and reservoir, and to communicate your findings to the Secretary. We know that, as anglers, we are better placed than most to see the natural life along the river and many anglers are very keen observers indeed. The observations, reported frequently, can give early warning of problems as they start to develop.'
CLEANUP AT DUNNING GLEN
The Association once again took it upon themselves to tackle the problem of the unacceptable amount of rubbish and litter that had built up over the last couple of years in the area of Dunning Bridge, just below Castlehill Dam. The rubbish, left by irresponsible campers, was at such a level, the committee felt that some outside assistance was needed to help clean the area up. After lobbying the Fossoway Community Council, local Perth & Kinross councillor Mike Barnacle and the Police, a site meeting was organised to discuss the problem. It was then decided that a clean up would be undertaken with help from Perth and Kinross Council. The clean up took place on Sunday April 26th and around 15 volunteers including DAA committee members, Perth and Kinross Council staff, members from Fossoway Community Council, Friends of the Ochils and a member of the public assisted. Litter picking tools black bags etc were provided by the council. Amazingly in excess of 60 bags of rubbish were collected, which were later removed from the area by the Council. The association will continue to monitor the area. Toni Pederson, of Tivoli Homes, subsequently launched a poster competition for the children of Fossoway Primary School. The idea was to get the kids to design a poster that could be sighted at Dunning Bridge, to help raise awareness about the consequences of leaving litter. The project was a great success and all the children designed fantastic posters. The Devon Angling Association, along with local Police officer Lyne Petrie was asked along to the school to help with the judging. The decision was made and two large signs were sited, one above and one below the bridge. One of the signs fell victim to vandals, the remaining one hopefully continues to educate those who visit and camp at this location not to leave litter behind when they depart. Our thanks to all those who helped with the clean up and to all of the children who took part in the poster competition.