Bringing Life to the Lagan: The River Lagan is set to be brimming with life after the creation of a new spawning bed by Phoenix Natural Gas, located at Gravelhill Road in The Maze, Lisburn, has seen the first signs of species settling into their new habitat. Pictured surveying the species levels at the new river bed site are Trevor Ogborn and Gary Houston of the Lagan River Trust, with Geri Wright from Phoenix Natural Gas.

The River Lagan is set to be brimming with life after the creation of a new spawning bed by Phoenix Natural Gas, located at Gravelhill Road in The Maze, Lisburn, has seen the first signs of species settling into their new habitat.

The natural gas company, in partnership with the Lagan River Trust, set out to undertake a key environmental initiative to restore river life and create a new river access point to ensure the conservation of important species in the area.

Trevor Ogborn from the Lagan River Trust said, “This project by Phoenix Natural Gas to create a new spawning bed at the River Lagan has been invaluable to maintaining the river habitat and conserving aquatic life.”

“The addition of the gravel river bed and creation of the verges along the river bank has enabled us to access this part of the river for the first time. We are now able to monitor the river bed on a monthly basis and observe species levels at this section of river.”

“Despite less than ideal water quality, in just a few short months we have seen a resurgence of life in the river thanks to the new river bed which is a spawning bed for trout and salmon and we look forward to seeing an increased volume of these fish as hatching season draws near. We have also seen increased species levels of mussels, shrimp, water hog louse, and baetis, commonly known as olives; all of which are vital to maintaining a healthy river habitat.”

“It is hoped that as the year progresses, and with an improvement in water quality, we will see a huge increase in caddis populations as this is an important food source for fish and a key indicator of water quality. Caddis also loves this type of gravel so we hope to see a great improvement in fish population in the area this year".

Geri Wright, Communications Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas said, “Phoenix Natural Gas recognises its environmental responsibilities within the areas we are serving and we are delighted that our work, in partnership with the Lagan River Trust, has regenerated this area of the river bed. Not only can we now enjoy a resurgence of life in the river, but we have created access to this section which will benefit local school groups, anglers and conservationists.”

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Lagan River Trust and delivering other important environmental initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

The river drains approximately 609 square km of agricultural land and flows over 70 km from the Mourne Mountains to the Stranmillis Weir, from which point on it is estuarine. The catchment consists mainly of enriched agricultural grassland in the upper parts, with a lower section draining urban Belfast and Lisburn. There is one significant tributary, the Ravernet River, and there are several minor tributaries, including the Carryduff River, the River Farset and the Blackstaff River. Water quality is generally fair, though there are localised problems and occasional pollution incidents, mainly due to effluent from farms. Work is proceeding to restore a self-sustaining population of Atlantic salmon to the river.

The river is used by a number of rowing clubs, including Queen's University Boat Club, Queen's Ladies Boat Club, Methodist College Boat Club, Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) Rowing Club, Belfast Rowing Club (BRC) and Lagan Scullers Club. The Boathouses are all based between the Governors Bridge and the Stranmillis Weir.

For more information on Phoenix Natural Gas visit www.phoenixnaturalgas.com.