The Foundation has been working within the Brecon Beacons National Park since 2004. The main aim of the project was to restore the Usk as a premier salmon and trout fishery and over time to set up a fully sustainable system whereby the fishery funds the maintenance of the ecosystem.
An initial grant award of £30,000 from 2003 to 2007 and a second grant of £15,000 in 2006/07 contributed to a total project budget of £1.12m, representing a match funding ratio of 24:1, with £1 of SDF attracting £24 in funding from other sources.
During the initial phase, with 5 local jobs created the achievements were as follows:-
• Improved fish access at 19 locations, opening up 127km of river
• 40km of degraded stream habitat restored
• The passport scheme for fishing established to generate ongoing income for the project
• A 64% overnight stay and 86% annual repeat visit established through the scheme
• Adding an extra £400,000 to the rural economy
A further £20,000 grant in 2008 sought to further improve the tributaries of the Usk and aimed to
• Restore over 3km of degraded stream
• Increase the number of available beats
• 12 fishing infrastructure improvements to lead to improved visitor facilities and uptake of fishing
• Generate 2000 plus angler days
• An extra 1,280 overnight stays
• £167,400 of sustainable benefit to the Park
The Wye and Usk Foundation works with local farming communities on upland tributaries to gain income and capital value from wildlife habitats supporting restored trout populations. The tried and tested methods of fencing off strategic sections of each river and undertaking coppicing and woodland management has
• Ensured increased bankside, instream and marginal vegetation
• Encouraged the survival of greater numbers of juvenile trout and salmon parr, as well as adult fish
• Increased invertebrate populations and other riparian species e.g. clawed crayfish, otter, brook lamprey
• Reduced shading, siltation and erosion of river banks, reducing some risk of flooding
• Potential for farmers to diversify and for communities and businesses to benefit from increased tourism.
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