AN innovative new power-free pump which can help salmon spawn in Devon rivers is being demonstrated by the Action for Wildlife ? Dartmoor Biodiversity Programme this month.
The Papa pump demonstration will take place at Scoriton by manufacturer Phil Selwyn of Ppump Ltd.
Dartmoor?s clean rivers provide a habitat for a range of wildlife but some, like native Atlantic salmon, are in decline. Reduced numbers may be due to several causes but there are ways in which landowners can help.
Riverbank erosion causes silt to ?cement? gravel so that salmon are unable to spawn ? and salmon eggs can be damaged by livestock trampling through shallow rivers whilst drinking.
The power-free pump uses the flow of river water to pump water into a trough. This means livestock can be kept out of water, reducing erosion and damage to salmon eggs.
Sarah Mellor, Action for Wildlife assistant project officer, said: ?Pumps such as this have a low impact on the environment and make a real difference to biodiversity, including helping salmon to spawn more successfully which will help make them a more common sight in Dartmoor?s rivers.?
The pump only has one moving part making it cheap to maintain ? DIY installation is possible. It is quiet, has a low impact on other wildlife and providing there is enough water in the river, provides a constant supply of fresh water.
The demonstration will be held at Scoriton between 9.30am and 12.30pm on September 25. Booking is essential ? call 01626 831072.