Kells Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club secures funding for major river habitat restoration project

Kells Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club has announced that it has successfully secured funding from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) through the Carrier Bag Levy Fund, alongside additional support from the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council community grants scheme, to deliver the Glenwhirry River Habitat Restoration – Phase 1 Project.

The initiative aims to protect and enhance the Kells, Connor, and Glenwherry river systems by tackling pollution, improving habitats for trout and salmon, and safeguarding water quality for future generations.

The project represents a significant step forward in preserving Northern Ireland’s freshwater ecosystems.

Monitoring water quality and pollution

A key component of the project involves identifying and monitoring water pollution. Fourteen volunteers have been trained in kick sampling techniques in partnership with River Fly Monitoring NI, a citizen science initiative that tracks river health across the UK.

Equipped with newly purchased sampling tools, the volunteers’ findings feed into a UK-wide environmental database, providing essential data to guide conservation efforts.

The club has also invested in electronic water quality monitoring equipment, allowing real-time tracking of pollutants and helping to identify areas most in need of intervention.

This technology ensures that conservation efforts are informed by accurate, up-to-date data, enhancing the effectiveness of future habitat restoration work.

Improving Trout and Salmon Habitats

The restoration work includes rejuvenating 216m² of spawning gravel across six critical sites along the Kells River system. Spawning gravel is essential for the reproductive success of trout and salmon, providing a safe environment for eggs and juvenile fish.

By restoring these habitats, the club is helping to encourage the return of healthy fish populations to local rivers, which also supports biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystem.

Community and Government Support

The project has received widespread support from governmental bodies and local communities.

“A massive thank you to NIEA for this funding opportunity via the Water Quality Improvement Strand (WQIS), Mid and East Antrim Council for further grant funding via the community grant scheme, DAERA Inland Fisheries for their continued support and advice, and our dedicated volunteers & club members for their hard work,” club chairman Phil Mailey said.

Minister Andrew Muir visited the site to observe the volunteers’ work first-hand, praising their commitment:

“It’s inspiring to see such dedication to protecting our rivers. Projects like this make a real difference to our environment and local communities.”

A Vision for the Future

Phase 1 of the Glenwherry River Habitat Restoration Project lays the groundwork for ongoing conservation efforts.

The club hopes that the combination of volunteer involvement, advanced monitoring technology, and restored habitats will create a long-term positive impact on river health in Northern Ireland.

Phil concluded:

“Together, we’re making real progress in restoring and protecting the Kells, Connor & Glenwherry river systems. We hope this project inspires other local communities to take action in preserving our natural waterways.”