Orchy headwaters restoration project (2025-2035)

Since 2017, AFT have been monitoring water temperatures across the Awe and other catchments in Argyll as part of a national project (Scottish River Temperature Monitoring Network) which is being used to assess the effects of climate change on our cold-water loving salmon and trout. Water temperature in the upland tributaries of the River Orchy was found to be too warm for optimal health of the fish during the warmer parts of the year, threatening the future of its salmon population.

Much of the nursery habitat for salmon is vulnerable to overwarming

To begin to mitigate for our warming climate and improve the productivity of nutrient poor habitats, AFT have worked with landowners, Blackmount Estate, to start planting trees along riverbanks that will provide shade, and nutrients through leaf litter and a wider diversity of insect life associated with diversity in vegetation.

In early 2026 materials and machine were on site to begin creating tree enclosures

With some £35,000 of financial support from Mowi Scotland and Drax Group, the project has begun by creating two new enclosures on the Abhainn Shira tributary of Loch Tulla which has been a stronghold for salmon and trout spawning in the catchment. This first year of the project will see 1,000 trees planted and protected from deer browsing.

Our first enclosure will be complemented by planting individual guarded trees