Greenford are thrilled to announce that the fish pass at Bevere Weir is officially open!
Part of the 'Unlocking the Severn' project, Bevere fish pass was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and sustainability. The project will open up 158 miles of river, allowing fish to migrate to spawning areas.
The Bevere pass is unique in its design. A regular fish pass takes the form of a ‘ladder’ with each rung stepping up a level. In contrast, the channel at Bevere is a long, gently sloping ramp. Blocks are cast into the base of the channel to break the water flow and create conditions where fish can swim upstream comfortably.
After 16 months of hard work – the pass opened on 23rd September. The project was not without challenges, including flooding thanks to the wettest February on record, and delays due to COVID 19. Despite this, the temporary dam was removed this September and the pass filled with water. For the first time in over 170 years, fish have a free passage past the weir at Bevere! The endangered twaite shad along with salmon, lamprey and eels will benefit from this new passage, helping to improve populations in the ecosystem as a whole.
It is great to see the water finally flowing through the pass, have a look at the video below.
We are so pleased to see this project completed and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on fish migration and population in the Severn.