The quality of the river here for fish is fairly average
and has probably declined since the M20 was constructed and the building
of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. This is because silt has found its way
into the river damaging the gravel spawning grounds. The construction of
weirs and deflectors helps to move silt downstream.
Fish species that can still be found include brown
trout, bullhead, eel, gudgeon, perch, pike, roach, stickleback and stone
loach.
During the summer of 2001, KSCP volunteers with the
assistance of the Environment Agency installed a further 20 weirs.
More on rivers and associated
wetlands
Swallow Mill
In 2000 the farmer approached the KSCP concerning the
grant aiding of a new hedge. 150 m of hedge was planted in February 2001.
In 1995 in partnership with the National Rivers
Authority, volunteers installed a stone fish weir to improve fish
spawning.
St Mary’s Churchyard
The KSCP provided ideas and carried out grassland
management in the remains of this churchyard in 1995 and 1996. It is now
managed by Ashford Borough Council with occasional practical help from the
KSCP.
Little Chart Forstal Pond
Volunteers helped to clear this pond in 1996.
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