Forth Rivers Trust secures funding for River Devon project

Forth Rivers Trust has been successful in attracting the funding to take forward a project on the River Devon between Tillicoultry and Dollar.

The money will allow opportunities for restoration works along the stretch to be identified in the coming months, following on from two successful community engagement events in Tilly and Pool of Muckhart.

The trust explained restoration works could take the form of natural flood management measures such as riparian habitat enhancement along the banks of the river.

Biological monitoring and survey works have already began in February to examine the project area with opportunities for restoration to be developed by the end of August.

Once the initial development is complete, the trust hopes to apply for a grant to deliver the works in a bid to enhance the quality of habitats for wildlife and people.

The trust has receive a total of £78,956 for the development phase, £71,978 from NatureScot's Nature Restoration Fund and £6,978 from Clackmannanshire Council.

Alongside studying the project area, the trust will build on work funded by Crown Estate Scotland, and secured by the Devon Angling Association, in the surveying and control of invasive non-native species (INNS) of plants.

This will continue to support communities in identifying, mapping and controlling the presence of INNS plants, particularly Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed, which all have a negative impact on river and habitat health.

A spokesperson for Forth Rivers Trust told the Advertiser: “We hope to support existing groups and bring together volunteer efforts to target these plants, stopping their spread along the river and supporting habitat recovery.

“Forth Rivers Trust would like to thank the community for their input so far, with special thanks to Clackmannanshire Council and Harviestoun Estate for their support, and to Pool of Muckhart Church and the Tillicoultry Centenary Hall for offering their venues for our community evenings.

“Communities situated in the project area between Tillicoultry and Dollar are welcome to get in touch if they have any questions about this development project.

“Any community groups already pulling balsam, or any individuals keen to support balsam pulling efforts, can get in touch with us on trust@forthriverstrust.org.

“We would like to establish a top-down approach to effectively tackle the INNS in this area, co-ordinating local efforts and supporting habitat in and around the River Devon.”