Fish Refuges

Up to 4 fish refuges have been or will be installed at Boddington reservoir as habitat improvement in response to the Environment Agency's advice following fish mortalities in 2007.

The refuges are cages 2m x 2m x 2m deep. The cages have their own internal buoyancy so they float - but only just and are weighted to the bottom to prevent them becoming detached. They are preferably filled with woody material such as hedge cuttings or small trees.

They are located in the southwestern corner of the reservoir, close to the dam wall, and not far from the fence which (for some obscure reason) comes out from the bank, and should be no impediment to sailing. If you are down there you're in trouble already.

There are some installed at Tring reservoirs which have caused no operational problems.

The refuges need to be near the outlet valve (where the weir is), as the fish mortalities have occurred when the valve is switched on, as the fish are seeking shelter inside the valve. The idea is to provide an alternative in the hope that fish will not use the valve and be sucked through on the occasions when the valve is opened.

also a duck refuge

Any Comments: please email webmaster@banburysailing.org.uk
Last Modified: 16 April 2009