A COMBINATION of water quality improvements and a new fish ladder at Helebridge, near Marhamchurch, have boosted trout numbers to record levels in the river that runs through Stratton.

The Bude Cleaner Seas Project has been working with farmers, offering advice and organising financial support, to prevent the escape of animal waste from farms and installing stock fencing to prevent poaching and waste from livestock flowing into the local streams and rivers.

The River Strat ends up at Summerleaze beach in Bude, which this year attained the highest, excellent classification for bathing water cleanliness. The Environment Agency have built a new fish ladder at Hele Bridge, allowing trout access into the river Strat, opening up miles of previously underused spawning area.

The Environment Agency, who monitor the river for fish and chemicals, were delighted to report that year on year, fish numbers have tripled at some sites and that toxic ammonia levels have dropped.

Dave Miller, from the Environment Agency, said: “Keeping our rivers clean and healthy is very important to our wellbeing and economy. We are delighted with these results.”