Avon Fishing Association Toby Russell's Advisory Visit To The Avon On 17th November 2009.

Toby Russell made an advisory visit to the Avon on 17th November 2009. His visit is part of a trial that involves offering increased access to visiting anglers through the Westcountry Rivers Trust Angling Passport scheme in 2010. These photographs illustrate some of the points he made as he walked from Hatch Bridge upstream to Pembertons’ Pool

Looking upstream from Hatch Bridge. Lightly trim branches that touch the water. Leave overhanging branches to provide cover for fish.
Looking upstream from Hatch Bridge. Leave bushy tree intact - it is 'pinching' the current and creating faster flow.
Place woody debris discreetly on 'developing' paths to reduce further erosion by walkers and dogs
Resist the temptation to "tidy up" woody debris in the river - it can provide valuable fish cover and invertebrate habitat
Examples of relatively old trees with gaps between that are devoid of vegetation and therefore do not provide cover for fish.
Examples of relatively old trees with gaps between that are devoid of vegetation and therefore do not provide cover for fish.
These 'leaning limbs' provide a possible solution. When they fall use them to form a 'revetment' to bridge the gaps, pack toppings behind to collect silt. Seek WRT advice to ensure that the revetment is correctly secured (very important) and to do the job safely
Fallen limbs sometimes get trapped and breach the gap between trees. Leave these 'natural revetments' in place.
Avoid 'tidying up' the growth from the base of a tree that is in a line of trees with large gaps between them. It provides a bit of cover in an otherwise relatively barren stretch of water.
Above Hatch Bridge: Bramble Pool, true left bank. Single-strand wire and rickety posts. This structure is too close to the river's edge. Grazing by animals restricts the growth of bankside vegetation and consequently there is little cover for fish. It is also inefficient in keeping stock out of the river. They may be damaged if they break through the fence. Possibility of costly vet's bill for farmer. This may persuade farmer to loose some land in return for a new fence. Consult with landowner.
Toby shows approximate position of new wire fence along Bramble Pool.
Leave the young tree growth on the right bank of Bramble Pool
This natural access point at the head of Bramble Pool could be improved by including a gate or stile in a new fence.
This natural access point at the head of Bramble Pool could be improved by including a gate or stile in a new fence.
Inside leg measurement needs to be borne in mind when constructing stiles !
Given the right conditions, the situation at Riverside could be improved in a relatively short period of time
Posts with ropes attached to their tops could be used to provide convenient access to the river at several points along the field below Pembertons' Pool
An obsolete wire fence along the field downstream of Pembertons' Pool serves no useful function and is a hidden snag that may catch on waders etc. It could be removed. Seek permission from farmer.
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