The Tubney Charitable Trust
The Tubney Charitable Trust make grants to other charities that work within certain defined areas, supporting work that benefits species listed in the UK Biodiversity Plan (UKBAP). It has generously supported the Foundation with core funding for various projects.
When we first applied in 2006, the application was made in respect of white clawed crayfish, (Austropotomobius pallipes), otter (Lutra lutra), shad (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax), and freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). These were included in the UKBAP and all respond favourably to improvements in water quality, habitat restoration and reconnection of stream access. The fresh water pearl mussel has a life stage that is dependent on salmon or trout for upstream distribution. Otters depend on good habitat and an abundant supply of food - fish!
Each species is subject to specific pressures. For example, otter are frequent victims of road collisions. White clawed crayfish have serious problems with sheep dip and competition from its American rival, the signal crayfish.
In 2007, perhaps recognising both the importance of salmonids as indicators of riverine health, or just mindful of the Water Framework Directive, rivers and streams (not all!) have been added to the UK BAP list of habitats and atlantic salmon, brown trout, loach and eels are to be included in the UKBAP list of species.
Tubney's contribution goes towards the following specific areas of activity:
White clawed crayfish project: Habitat restoration (fencing and tree management) of those streams that still have a population of them, namely Builth Road Dulas, Llynfi Dulas, Sgithwen and Edw and eradication of signals in the Bachawy brook. By October 2007, 31,464 signals had been trapped and 6km double bank restored and stock excluded. Trapping is considered a holding operation pending a final solution.
Fish Access: Tubney's funding has enabled us to fully fund our ambitious projects that include building fish passes or removing barriers throughout the Lugg and Arrow, upper Wye and Usk catchments.
Water Quality: Funding is used to continue our acid waters amelioration programme which is proving very successful on the upper Wye and Irfon catchments.
Habitat Restoration: A common feature of our projects is a commitment to restore the habitat of the tributary system. The Tubney funding has enabled this to be carried out on a sufficiently large scale to make a difference on the huge catchments of our two rivers.
The Wye & Usk Foundation is very fortunate to be in receipt of this support as matching the EU and other inputs are crucial to the success of our mission.
