A VISTA not seen for more than 50 years in Tavistock is again open to the public, thanks to an environmental scheme at Abbey Weir. Improvements to the river and riverbank are set to boost fish stocks and the enjoyment of local people and visitors. For the past three months the Environment Agency, South West Water and Tavistock Town Council have been working in partnership to improve the migration of salmon and trout. Automatic screening devices have been constructed on the existing intake at the weir, preventing smaller fish escaping into the leat system that serves Mary Tavy and Morwellham hydro power stations. The scheme is part of a broader Environment Agency initiative to improve the ecology of the River Tavy and protect salmon stocks, which are widely regarded as a key indicator of the health of the river. Both sides of the river down to Fisherman?s Rock have been cleared, opening up a vista not seen for more than 50 years. Tavistock town clerk Roger Howard said people would now get a fantastic view of the town?s marvellous river asset. ?There has been a member of staff from the Environment Agency on duty every day on the bridge, talking to people about the work,? he said. ?Everybody has been full of praise for what has happened. ?Now that the partnership has worked so well to clear all the old laurel and privet growth and open up that area, we plan to put benches and tables there to allow people to sit and watch the river.? The Abbey Rise of St John?s Walk has also been cleared, making the whole area ?much lighter? and there are plans to put more street lights along St John?s. Research by the Environment Agency has revealed several obstacles to the safe passage of the salmon, both upstream and on their way back downstream as young salmon known as ?smolts?. In some cases smolts can be lost into water intakes. The River Tavy initiative will help Tavistock reduce its carbon footprint while pro-actively enhancing the health of the river and achieving the perfect balance between renewable energy and the ecological improvement. Paul Gainey from the Environment Agency said South West Water would be finishing off the scheme in the next couple of weeks.
