MIGRATORY fish will soon be swimming upstream of a 300 year old weir following the introduction of a rock pool fish pass on the River Derwent.

The Lintzford project will not only help to improve the health of the river, but also preserve the heritage of a picturesque beauty spot.

Important species like lamprey, eels and grayling have not been able to freely move up the river since the weir was built to provide water to power Lintzford Corn Mill 300 years ago.

Tyne Rivers Trust has now agreed a design and appointed contractors, Esh Construction to build the fish pass as part of the Heritage Lottery funded, Land of Oak and Iron project.

Trust director Douglas Phillips said: “Every year, salmon and sea trout move upstream through our river systems to spawn but obstructions like the two-metre high weir make it impossible for them to complete the journey.

“By putting in a fish pass at Lintzford weir we will help to improve spawning rates and subsequently the general health of the River Derwent system.

“Lintzford weir is on a particularly attractive stretch of the Derwent so it is paramount that the design of the fish pass is in-keeping with the natural environment as well as making sure that the construction method protects nearby vegetation, trees and wildlife habitat.”

Work should be complete by Christmas.