The opening of an £8.5m ‘fish pass’ that will allow species to swim freely up the River Trent at Colwick has been delayed – with an opening date expected ‘early in the new year’.
Once completed, the structure at Holme Sluices will become the largest of its kind in the country and will serve as an ‘elevator’ to allow fish to hop up and downstream.
The Environment Agency spokesman revealed there had been delays, describing it as a ‘significant and complex project’.
The spokesman said: “Once complete, Colwick fish pass in Nottinghamshire will be the largest fish pass in the country. Unfortunately, there have been delays to the completion date, which is now expected to be early next year.
“This flagship project is part of the Environment Agency (EA)’s work to improve fish passage across the country. It will provide a significant step in restoring the River Trent catchment, making more habitat accessible for coarse and migratory fish species to reach their spawning and feeding grounds.”
The Colwick fish pass measures 210 metres long, six metres deep and 6.5 metres wide. It is divided into 20 ascending chambers into which water will flow through narrow slots. Fish of all species swimming upstream to lay their eggs in the gravel riverbeds of Trent tributaries such as the Dove and the Derwent will be able to pass through these slots and rest in the chamber above before continuing.
The project also includes an eel pass to help support the critically endangered European Eel as well as a public viewing platform so people can stand above the water as the fish make their way through the pass beneath them.
The Colwick fish pass is the first scheme in the ambitious Trent Gateway Partnership. Its aim is to remove all barriers to fish migration along the River Trent and to create a healthy watercourse that not only reduces flood risk and provides better wildlife habitats, but also engages local communities about the natural and social history of the river.
The Environment Agency says the direct environmental benefits of the fish pass will be worth £18.6m.
Delays on a government project …. no way
When are the disabled signed on the disabled parking at Burton Road jubilee park going to be done its now be over a year now since I first reported this ? Come on let’s get this resolvedj