Striding into 2015

Happy New Year to you all! While it may seem a bit late to be saying that, I've realised that its been

Angler in action

some time since my last post, sorry! For some the salmon season has started and I've heard of a fresh salmon of the Helmsdale recently. While it's still too early for our rivers, it won't be long before they get going for salmon as well. Can I take this opportunity to remind everyone that ALL salmon must be returned to the river before the 1st April. Tight lines to you all.

This is always a quiet time of the year for the Trust, when we try to get all our reports completed, attend meetings and start to prepare for the coming year. We're getting very close with the reports and will hopefully have them posted to the website in the next couple of weeks. Then it will be on to the Annual Review and getting that ready for publication in April!

Tracks on the mink raft

We have been out as well though, with the mink rafts continuing to be monitored, which gives a good opportunity to have a drive around the area. Less prints over the last few checks, and thankfully no mink, would suggest that the cold weather is stopping the rodents straying as far. As always we have to thank our volunteers for their efforts, particularly when it's cold and wet out, in monitoring their rafts and tunnels. Without this dedication the wildlife of the area would be at greater risk from this non-native. Thank you all!!

The weather has certainly been bad over the last few weeks, with particularly strong winds causing a bit of damage to several properties around the area and an extended power cut for all. This was followed by rain, snow, winds and fluctuating temperatures making for interesting times. Thankfully there were no reports of injuries during the storm, and buildings can be repaired. The power of wind is truly awe-inspiring however!

Unfortunately we say 'goodbye' to Kate today. After almost 3 years with the Trust she is moving on to pastures new and we wish her all the best for the future. She has been a real asset to the Trust and will be missed. Her good humour and hard work throughout will be hard to replace - although maybe the next person will stay slightly drier!!! Kate didn't 'do' photo's but I couldn't resist putting in a couple.