Evelyn Tweed MSP marks World Rivers Day with visits and speech
Sunday 24th September was World Rivers Day, a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the importance of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.
Speaking in a debate on the topic in Holyrood, Evelyn Tweed MSP noted that when rivers are healthy, biodiversity thrives, but when they are not looked after, the ill effects are many. Looking to the Forth as an example, industry has had a lasting impact and chemical, and agricultural pollution, forestry, and river straightening can put pressure on the river system. In the debate Ms Tweed highlighted excellent work of a wide range of local projects making strides to support river systems and recover lost biodiversity.
Individual landowners, like Kate Sankey of West Moss-side organic farm have encouraged riverbanks to re-naturalise after years of dredging, and have seen the return of otters, water voles and most recently beavers as a result. The Carse of Stirling project are getting school children involved in learning about species in wetlands. The Forth Rivers Trust are planting trees along the Allan Water to boost habitat, provide a wildlife corridor and shade for river species.
In November 2021, the Bowser family became the first private landowners in Scotland to legally translocate beavers to unenclosed ponds. Fourteen beavers have since been released on the Ardoch burn near Doune. All came from land in Tayside where lethal control licences had been issued.
Beavers are often known as ‘ecosystem engineers’, helping to provide habitat for young fish, food for invertebrates, and deep pools for large fish to rest. They have a transformational impact on the wider environment too. At Ardoch burn, in previous summers ponds and streams evaporated whilst in winter they broke their banks and flooded the farm steading below. However, since the beavers’ arrival their dams have meant that the pond has stayed full through one of the driest summers on record, and kept thousands of water dependent species alive
Speaking In the debate, Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘It’s extremely heartening to hear about the positive impact that these projects are achieving. Collaborative working between farmers, local organisations and communities with a holistic approach, can do so much. We must continue to do all that we can to look after our rivers and water courses and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
