FISH in the River Cherwell are able to access new spawning grounds for the first time in centuries, following the construction of new steps in the bank.
The Environment Agency has built the ‘fish pass’, which allows fish to swim upstream, at Gosford, near Kidlington.
The area was previously impassable to fish because large drops had been carved into the riverbank to help power Kidlington Mill.
Tom Sherwood, pictured, the Environment Agency’s fisheries officer for the Cherwell, said: “By building the fish pass we will improve the ability of fish to increase populations by allowing them to utilise more spawning ponds.
“By allowing fish to by-pass Kidlington Mill they can now move unimpeded from Oxford all the way up to Shipton-on-Cherwell.”
In recent months the agency has also created habitats for young fish, built backwaters and laid spawning gravel in the river.
The £45,000 fish pass was funded with Government cash designed to improve and protect waterways.
Picture OX49819: Jon Lewis
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