Restoring the river bank at Inverharroch

The Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund supports charitable projects benefiting those living in the areas served by the community councils of Huntly, Strathbogie and Tap o’Noth and the area served by Cabrach Community Association. 

The overall purpose of the fund is to support positive change by investing in a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity in the fund area that is strategic, positive, creative and helps create a legacy of lasting impact. 

Volunteers and staff from the Cabrach Trust, EDF Dorenell Ranger Service, the River Deveron Charitable Trust, the Atlantic Salmon Trust and Highlands Rewilding worked in the early winter and spring to install 60 metres of willow spiling to restore the eroded bank of the River Deveron. This living wall of willow spiling was created by weaving lengths of freshly harvested willow between timber posts driven into the riverbed. Brash (leftover branches and twigs) was then backfilled behind the willow wall to create an environment that allows river debris and sediment to be trapped in the vegetation, rebuilding the riverbank season after season. 

The installation provides habitats for wildlife and increases the shade along the river, which is important for underwater ecology and fish health. This project was part of the Rural Skills and Wellbeing programme offered by the Cabrach Trust.  

Sam Dowdall, Community and Development Manager of the Trust, said,

“When visitors come to the Discovery Trails, they will see a huge difference as the willow  grows up and creates a completely new bank.  We believe that the 60 metres of this method of riverbank restoration is the longest stretch in the UK.” 

Read more about the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund