An ecological and environmental project to help a North Yorkshire river reclaim its crown as one of England’s premier salmon fishing rivers has caught the eye of royalty.
During a visit to the region next week (Thursday, 10 September 2015) The Prince of Wales will meet with members, volunteers and sponsors of the Ure Salmon Trust, whose aim is see the species returning back to spawn in the River Ure in ever increasing numbers.
Begun six years ago and backed by local riparian land owners and businesses, the work of The Ure Salmon Trust is now coming to fruition, with anglers regularly catching salmon weighing in excess of 20lbs.
On his arrival in Swinithwaite, Leyburn, the royal visitor will be escorted to the banks of the Ure by the Trust’s project manager, David Bamford, who will talk about the work and achievements to date.
His Royal Highness will inspect one recent aspect of the scheme, the fencing off of one of the banks of the river, and the installation of a solar-powered livestock drinking trough, aimed at preventing cattle from eroding the banks and silting up the waterway.
Mr Bamford said:
Having His Royal Highness showing an interest in our scheme is a real feather in our cap and a wonderful recognition of what we have achieved over the last few years.
We are very much looking forward to welcoming to this stretch of the River Ure, where he will be able to meet and speak to volunteers and key members of the Project.
His visit will help go a long way in raising the profile of The Ure Salmon Trust, and hopefully lead to an influx of anglers keen to fish our river.
Simon Theakston, executive director of T&R Theakston Ltd, which has sponsored the project from the outset, said:
It is simply marvelous news that The Prince of Wales is coming to visit the Ure Salmon Trust, where he will find out how far the project has come since its launch.
When we are asked if we would help fund the scheme and become a sponsor, we leapt at the chance.
We know it will bring massive environmental benefits to the region and provide a huge shot-in-the-arm for the local economy and tourist industry.
Following on from his river-side walk, The Prince of Wales will meet other key members of the Ure Salmon Trust during a reception at Berry’s Farm Shop.
