Sweep netting is finally well and truly underway, with the first sweep on the Polla and Kyle of Durness completed. Both the Laxford and Polla were spectacular - particularly the Polla where we had the biggest ever sweep for the system with about 180 fish, all in excellent condition. Unfortunately we were let down by the Kyle, where a couple of hard pulls resulted in no trout, although there was a nice collection of flatfish and brown shrimps! I think that this one might cost us in chocolate for the volunteers who went home tired and sore. Without their help we couldn't do the work so its a price worth paying.
The smolt traps were also successful and gave excellent data. We had a good mix of species and some lovely fish - and a few minnows which wasn't so good. These are non-native and haven't been seen in that part of the system before so unfortunately we're showing a spread. Both the traps are out of the water now and being re-vamped for next year. Thanks have to go to Scott for manfully building one trap and for his advice with the reconstruction of the other - Kate and Shona will be testing their joinery skills over the next few weeks!
Scourie Detectives are progressing well, with most of the planning now completed and all systems go for the 8th and 9th June. It should be a good weekend and fingers crossed that this weather continues and we have a good turnout. The Ceilidh in the evening will bring out the troops anyway, and will be a great round-up. That's being organised by the Scourie Village Hall Committee, who have vast experience, and on past record will be well worth attending. Kate and Shona will be taking the hardy souls out to collect invertebrates and look in rockpools and basically learn as much as possible about the rivers and sea and why we should be looking after them.
Mr Clive Halnan, angler and artist, has kindly donated the proceeds of a limited edition print of the Gorm Track to Ben Stack, painted in acrylic on canvas to the Trust. He has also produced a greetings card of the same scene, also with proceeds to the Trust. Visit http://www.clivehalnan.co.uk/ to see and purchase the picture or cards, which are also on sale in Scourie Hotel. It is a lovely picture of a Sutherland scene and we are extremely grateful for his support and this kind and generous donation.
In addition to Scourie Detectives, June will also see us undertaking a couple of electrofishing demonstrations - one near Kinlochbervie and the other near Achmelvich. Done in conjunction with the Highland Council Ranger Service as part of their walks programme, we will be giving the public a chance to catch fish and sample invertebrates. If you're coming along on the 26th (KLB) or 28th (Achmelvich) then be sure to wear wellies and get involved.
Other than this, there will be the usual sweep netting surveys, with additional sites at the Kyle of Durness and Kinloch. If you're feeling fit then check out the website for times and locations (http://www.wsft.co.uk/) and come along to help. We're always grateful for assistance and are happy to discuss the work.
July will see the start of the electrofishing. Kate has now undertaken her Introductory Electrofishing Training and we're ready to go. Hopefuly the weather will be kind to Biologists this year (less so to Anglers but...) and we'll get a good run through the sites. It's always tricky trying to complete surveys when they're so weather dependent and Sutherland is reknowned for its rain, but we can but hope for dry with few clegs and midges! Again, if you're in the area then look out for us or get in touch and come along to help.
