Sampling continues

The last few weeks have been mixed, with a bit of rain at the beginning calling a halt to the electrofishing for a few days. Still, we've managed to get another couple of catchments finished which is great. The Rhiconich was definitely an effort, but thanks to Reay Forest for the lift out to the top sites we only had to walk down rather than both ways - for which we were both extremely grateful! An otter bolting out from the bank gave Chris a bit of a fright - not expected - but great to see and a bit of excitement as we stumbled around the hills. The Inver was slightly easier walking, although only a little, but gave us good fish densities and fun with the netting. No otters seen there, but a few salmon moved as we headed towards the sites.

We also had a few days gardening - pulling Himalayan Balsam from a croft in Nedd. Himalayan Balsam is an annual, non-native plant brought in as an ornamental. It's a lovely looking plant and a favourite with bee keepers but can have devastating effects on the riverbanks, where it spreads and forms a dense monoculture. This blocks light to other plants and then when it dies back in the winter leaves bare ground susceptible to erosion.

Thanks to the volunteers who turned up with gloves, scythe and boundless enthusiasm. We managed to clear a fair bit before getting Howard in with the strimmer to help with some of the thicker stands. Looking at the areas pulled last year, there was a big difference in the amount of plants present and hopefully we'll be able to eradicate it from the area in the next few years. We also looked at the stands in Clashnessie, which were pulled by others this year. Again, there is a reduction in the amount present compared to previous years, although eradication here is unlikely unless it can be removed from the resident garden. Heavy negotiation required there....

The end of last week saw us at the Highland Sporting Fair, or Moy games. We were sharing a stall with the Ness & Beauly Fisheries Trust and managed to get in some serious networking. It was good to get out and about, talking about the Trusts and introducing people to what we do. As well as the posters and leaflets we also showed the electrofishing gear as well as a mink raft and crayfish trap. The mink raft came complete with 'Dave' the latest NBFT employee - a cuddly 'mink'. He was a great draw, especially with the children, and it was encouraging to see that a good number of the keepers realised that he was really a pine marten (although there was some debate about otter cubs, still neither are for eradication).

Unfortunately this period also saw Chris handing in his notice as he plans to head for pastures new and fewer midges! He will be missed within the Trust but hopefully we'll get this sampling season cracked before he has to leave.