Mosset Burn survey reveals siltation and potential flooding issues

A SURVEY of the Mosset Burn has revealed its altered flow is increasing sedament, affecting local wildlife and increasing the threat of flood.

Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust (FNLFT) assessed its condition over a month on behalf of Forres Community Council (FCC) to investigate fears it is deteriorating and to see what could be done to improve its flow.

FNLFT director Bob Laughton and Tommy McDermott (Trex Ecology) presented an illustrated report to FCC at the Tolbooth.

Mr Laughton explained: "Concerns were raised by farmers and others regarding the current state of the Burn. Particular worries were increase in sediment deposits and potential for flooding.

"There are quite a complex set of issues regarding the Mosset and no easy or quick fix solution.

"However, next step would be to form a local action group and determine what areas could be tackled and source funding, permission etc."

Mr Laughton confirmed his team had completed a walkover survey and desktop assessment including interviews with stakeholders including local farmers, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish National Heritage, Moray Council, Forres In Bloom, the Sanquhar Working Group and landowners.

"The Burn was highly straightened in the 1800s," said Mr Laughton, "Mainly for drainage reasons. The water now is of moderate to high quality but the Burn is not in great shape.

"We split the walkover into four zones from Mill of Grange to Dallas Dhu. We also checked Altyre and other areas for sediment. The Burn tightly contained and some areas have filled up so there is less capacity to control floods.

"The flood alleviation scheme is affecting the flow and accumulation of sediment. At Chapelton Farm the river bed is higher and perched so there are flooding concerns. The farmer has agreed to clear it within five years."

Mr Laughton confirmed Sanquhar pond is currently below the limit for reservoirs, there is a lack of ongoing maintenance of the flood scheme and the dualled A96 is scheduled to run across the sea end of the Burn.

"Fish passage needs to improve at Sanquhar," he added, "as does sedimentation which must be removed sensibly. The fish pass at Chapelton is badly designed and there are embankment issues.

"Options include: setting back the embankments; managing invasive species; using brash banking that mimics natural growth and draws in sedament.

"The Mosset pass could be improved and made more attractive. A loose weir could be made of stone. The fish pass could be dropped by 50cm or rebuilt.

"Zone four has flooded fields and property because of a gravel build-up but the higher priority is the lower zones which are similar, with no flush and a build-up of sediments. Embankments that have been created have had a pressure cooker effect, with less and less capacity as sediment fails to make it to Findhorn Bay as the flood alleviation scheme creates high flows."

Mr Laughton's report concludes that without adequate passage six weirs on the catchment will limit fish productivity. An improvement programme should aim to restore a more natural flow to prevent channel infilling.

Funding would be required and a management group formed of local landowners, land users, community groups, regulators and the Moray Council.

Mr Laughton said: "Short term measures such as clearing the channel may need assessment for ecological and geomorphological risk before they are carried out. Other light touch options, such as tree planting, habitat enhancement and green erosion control can be carried out immediately."

The 34-page report is available from Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust on 01309 611220 or by emailing admin@fnlft.org.uk.

FCC chairman Graham Hilditch finished: "FCC are delighted with the results of the survey, which is very detailed and give us a clear indication of main problems. Moving forward we hope to form a steering group of interested parties."