Join renowned river expert Gareth Pedley (Wild Trout Trust) as we explore the rivers of Inishowen discussing the barriers to fish passage on a river, for example, pools, bridges/bridge aprons, culverts and blockages. We will also be discussing chemical barriers and habitat loss, all of which inhibit fish populations and migration patterns. During this workshop we will be visiting various locations in Inishowen to demonstrate the different types of barriers, how they impact on wildlife and the normal function of a river and what kind of solutions we can use to resolve issues.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the rivers on Inishowen with a true expert in their field, and this event is therefore a must for those with a keen interest in angling, rivers and habitat restoration.

This event is free and open to all but places are limited and registration is essential.

Date: Sunday 15th August 2021

Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm

Venue: Various rivers throughout Inishowen

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The IRT will provide any necessary PPE.

Lunch: Lunch and refreshments will be provided as part of this workshop. You will be contacted for your dietary preferences in advance of the event.

Facilitator: Gareth Pedley is a Conservation Officer with the Wild Trout Trust working across the North of England and is a frequent visitor to Ireland. Following a degree in Fishery Management, Gareth started his career with a season river keeping on the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. This helped fund a year out, including 6 months fishing in New Zealand. Gareth then took a post river keeping on the Haddon Estate in Derbyshire, where he contributed to the development of the Estate’s flag-ship wild catch-and-release fishery for trout and grayling. After Haddon, Gareth worked for five years as a Fisheries Technical Officer for the Environment Agency, managing projects and providing advice in the North East, then moved to work as a shared resource with the WTT and Eden Rivers Trust. He now works full time for the WTT. Gareth is passionate about supporting and advising fishery managers and clubs wanting to reduce stocking and promote wild fisheries through habitat improvement and conservation of wild fish stocks.

HSE guidelines for Covid will be adhered to and participants are encouraged to bring their own facemask and hand cleanser.

Kindly funded by Rethink Ireland under their Innovate Together Award 2020, supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund, and corporate partners including the Z Zurich Foundation, Oakfield Trust, Medtronic and Twitter.