Bank Top improvements

Pete and Al, the new volunteer beat keepers for the Peak Passport scheme, have been beavering away again today on the Bank Top beat of the Dove, getting it ready for the new season which for us, is the 14th April, giving the Grayling time to do their thing.
A few dead and diseased Alders have come out today which shaded and hung over a riffle and pool. Not only will it improve the cast into the pool, it will allow more light onto the riffle where some Ranunculus has established, which is really encouraging. The re-emergence of the Ranunculus at Bank Top is a positive indicator of a healthier river, something that we are really pleased with!
We have been really careful with the chainsaw work over the river, and we have only used Bio Oil to minimise any potential impact.
We have watched trout rise to wood chippings today, but this is not sending us rushing to the fly tying bench to design a 'Wood Chip Fly'
Another stile has gone in today to improve access and there are a further two planned to be installed next week.
All in all, the Bank Top beat is going to be looking good by the 14th April and we can't wait to to check out the beautiful markings on our Dove wild brownies again!

Season Dates

As from Thursday 15th March all beats are closed until Saturday 14th April. (Bank Top is the only beat currently open for Grayling fishing until the 15th).

This will give our resident grayling a chance to spawn and allow maintenance work for the 2012 trout season.

Keep checking this blog, more PP details will be announced soon.

New Beat Keepers

We are pleased to announce the appointments of Beat Keepers Pete March and Al Wilson.

As the following pictures show the pair have already made significant improvements to the access and maintenance of the fishing beats, concentrating initially on the Dove at Bank Top.

Together with Andy Heath, (Peak Passports Project Manager), Ian Gould (Admin), the Trent Rivers Trust and local Peak District farmers and landholders the pair join a dedicated group whose common aim is improving the ecological health of the region’s rivers.

Pete and Al are both keen fly fisherman and are eagerly awaiting the 14^th April; when the passport beats open for 2012 season.

Watch out for Head Keeper Pete’s posts on this blog.

Derbyshire Life

Andy Heath, Peak Passports Project Manager, featured in February's Derbyshire Life. The article, written by Andrew Griffiths, features Andy in 'chainsaw wielding mode' and explains the PP's commitment to improving the ecological health of the region’s rivers.

Click here for the full story