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Ythan Project

The Ythan Project was a partnership project which aimed to protect, restore and enhance the river Ythan in Aberdeenshire. The project had three main aims:

  • to include local people in the work being undertaken and the decisions being made
  • to undertake restoration work to improve the river environment at key locations
  • to work with farmers on river-related issues

The project was part funded by the European Commission's Life Environment and also by the various organisations involved in the project, which include:

The project was funded from August 2001 to February 2005.River restoration work has been undertaken at various locations around the river catchment area, and has included:

  • the creation of a spawning bed for sea trout
  • the removal of over-shadowing conifer trees
  • the planting of broad-leaved trees at a number of river-side locations

Software has been produced to assist local farmers in undertaking nutrient budgets on their farms, and farmers have also been given advice and assistance with applying to agri-environment schemes.

Local people were involved in many aspects of the project. Awareness raising and education were important.

Aberdeenshire Council was responsible for:

  • helping with the administration of the project
  • helping with the management of the project's finances
  • providing advice on some of the environmental issues the project covers
  • providing advice on flood prevention issues