North York Moors National Park
 

Authority Services

River Esk Regeneration Programme

 

This programme ran from July 1997 to December 2001. Its aim was to protect, conserve and enhance River Esk habitats for fish and other wildlife so as to increase the economic value of the river to the rural community.

The Programme provided:

  • grant aid for a range of work on the River Esk and its tributaries aimed at improving wildlife habitats, the fishery and stock management on the river banks
  • advice and training in river management for farmers, landowners and fishery managers
  • support for research into the populations and requirements of fish and otters
  • support for a native salmon stocking programme

The partners involved were  the National Park Authority, Environment Agency, River Esk Action Committee, landowners, farmers and fishing clubs. The Programme was directed by a Steering Group comprising representatives of the partner organisations.

Cost: £269,066

Funding: MAFF and the European Union (under the Northern Uplands ‘Objective 5b’ designation) provided 65% funding towards costs. The remaining costs were funded locally by the National Park Authority, Environment Agency and farmers, fishing clubs and landowners.

Outputs

  • 33 signed Management Agreements with riparian owners, farmers, fishing clubs and other partners
  • Agreement coverage: 27km of the Esk between Westerdale and Eskdaleside and 19km of 6 tributaries
  • 28km of riverbank managed
  • 11.7km of river channel improved for spawning/juvenile habitat
  • 30 stock drinking points improved or replaced
  • 38.8 days of conservation training for riparian owners, farmers and fishing clubs
  • 2.7 full time equivalent jobs safeguarded
  • 1.5 full time equivalent jobs created
  • The grant aided work created at least 6.3 person years of work

Other Activity:

  • Stocking of 100,000 salmon fry from Esk broodstock
  • Installation of fish counter at Sleights weir
  • Production of a “Where to Fish on the Esk” promotional leaflet
  • “River Esk Fair” publicity events in 1999 and 2000
  • Fly-fishing training day, September 2000
  • Durham University erosion and sedimentation research

 For further information you can download the Final Report of the River Esk Regeneration Programme in our Publications section.