The Annan Riparian Restoration Network aims to expand and restore a network of broadleaf woodlands across the River Annan and its tributaries. By planting a mixture of native species at key locations we aim to enhance biodiversity whilst crucially building climate resilience into the landscape.

This ambitious project will bring together multiple landowners, with combined landholdings of over 35,000ha throughout the catchment. The project will consult, engage and involve local stakeholders, community groups and schools to improve their local surroundings for people and nature.

The project will use data and local knowledge to identify areas where riparian tree planting will provide multiple benefits, enhancing water quality and biodiversity, keeping waters shaded from increasing summer temperatures, providing natural flood management and connecting places for nature throughout the landscape. Through better management, sharing knowledge and protection of these important areas around watercourses there will be opportunities for communitites to enjoy, understand and engage with their natural environment. This will have benefits for both physical health and mental wellbeing as well as the health of the river.

The River Ericht, one of the most important spawning grounds for Atlantic Salmon in Europe, is in crisis. Extreme weather caused by climate change, historic and current land management practices and invasive species, are damaging the quantity and quality of water in the river and the health of its vegetation, woodlands and wildlife. As a result Salmon numbers are in steep decline and in danger of disappearing altogether.

Our new River Ericht Catchment Regeneration Initiative has been set up in response to this crisis. With a founding group of local angling, environmental and community-led organisations, we want to take a catchment scale approach to reviving this important river system. We will seek to engage landowners, farmers, businesses, communities, educational institutions, and relevant statutory bodies in restoring biodiversity, sinking carbon and enabling the sustainable livelihoods that depend on the Salmon and the river to thrive now and in the future.