Enhancing the River Frome

Dorset's famous chalkstream – an appeal for funds

The Dorset Frome is the major chalkstream in the South West of England. The main river is 48 km, with a catchment of 454 sq km. Along with the rivers Test, Itchen & Avon, the Frome has suffered a dramatic decline in the run of salmon over the past 25 years.

In 1988 over 4000 fish ran the river, by 2004 the run had fallen to 750 fish.

Salmon have to ascend two major obstacles. The first is a set of hatches at Bindon Mill, and second is the Louds Mill Weir at Dorchester. Once beyond there, the fish can reach the rich spawning gravels of the upper Frome and tributaries. The Environment Agency (EA) are currently improving Bindon Hatches.

To alleviate the serious blockage to migrating fish at Louds Mill weir, the Frome, Piddle and West Dorset Fishery Association (FPWDFA) plan to match funds with the EA to finance the necessary work. This forms the first part of this appeal.

Netting on the high seas off Southern Ireland and changes in agricultural practices at home have also contributed to the decline. The second part of the appeal is aimed at improving land management in the Frome catchment to reduce silt laden run-off from fields which suffocates fish eggs in the river gravels. Salmon, Trout and Sea Trout all suffer.

To discuss any aspect of the appeal please contact Richard Slocock (FPWDFA chairman) on 01305 848 460 or Charles Dutton on 01963 23161

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