Allen Valley Angling & Conservation is based in Allendale, Northumberland
We promote the sport of fishing and conservation of the River East Allen for anglers and the local community.
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation is proud to be sponsored by
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation is based in Allendale, Northumberland
We promote the sport of fishing and conservation of the River East Allen for anglers and the local community.
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation is proud to be sponsored by
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation
Join today, catch tomorrow
We have identified three immediate priorities that will enable us to start to make a real and noticeable difference to the River East Allen.
Project 1
Eradication of Himalayan Balsam:
We estimate that it is possible to completely eradicate this non-native, highly invasive plant from the source of the River East Allen to our bottom limit at Allendale within 3 years.
Benefits:
The problem is that the
species spreads rapidly and grows in dense clusters - choking
native species, reducing the ecological value of the land and
leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion. When the spread and growth
of this species is allowed to continue unchecked, smaller native
plant species can be completely prevented from growing. This causes
problems on riverbanks which are dependent on the root systems of
the native species to provide stability. Without the native plants
binding the soil with their roots, when the Himalayan Balsam dies
back in autumn the riverbanks are susceptible to erosion in periods
of heavy rain fall.
Project 2
Target old tip nr. Catton as a starting project for bank repairs:
This site offers relatively easy access – making it possible to involve community groups alongside professionals - to learn the art of willow spiling
Benefits:
Project 3
Careful Tree Work
Benefits:
Practice Catch and
Release Fishing
In addition to following Environment Agency rules in respect of the minimum size that a fish must be, before it can be killed, as well as limiting the number of migratory fish species that our members are allowed to remove from the river to a maximum of 5 in any one season (download the fishing rules for full details) we also encourage catch and release fishing as a crucial aspect of our conservation efforts.
It's important to remember that the gills and internal organs of fish are very easily damaged from being poorly handled after having being caught. Fish that show signs of bleeding will usually swim off, but will probably die within a few hours.
We
therefore ask all anglers to observe the simple guidelines for
successful catch and release fishing, which are necessary to
maintain a sustainable fishing resource and ensure enjoyable
angling.
We'll use this page to keep members and sponsors informed of progress and dates of organised events.
We welcome your input in terms of highlighting issues that you find when walking and fishing the river. Please do contact us with your suggestions.
| Height | 1 to 2m |
| Stem | Reddish |
| Leaves | 3 in whorl, elyptical, red toothed |
| Flower | Purple-pink (occasionally
white) |
| Seeds | In explosive pod upto 25mm long |
Each plant can produce over 2000 seeds which are distributed by their exploding seed heads.
The
explosion is triggered by movement and can propel the seeds up to 5
metres, often into the rivers and waterways themselves, which then
help to further the distribution of the species. For this reason,
pulling the plants out when they have full seed heads needs to be
done with care!
Bank Erosion
There is extensive bank erosion all along the River East Allen - particularly along the Allendale Town Beat. Example of bank repairs carried out by AONB at Dirt Pot on the Allenheads Fishing Beat
Woody debris can
be extremely beneficial - providing shade and camouflage for fish
as creating deeper pools where fish will feed.
