The Environment Agency have created new spawning sites for Thames barbel to replace those lost through historical dredging.

A total of 15 tonnes of locally sourced gravel has been used to replenish the bed of the river at Cricklade in Wiltshire.

It is hoped to create the perfect breeding ground, not only for barbel, but chub and dace too.

The new gravel beds will create shallow, fast flowing areas that remain silt-free.

Fisheries officer Lizzie Rhymes said: “I am delighted we are able to complete this project. It will make a real difference to fish as well as the diversity of wildlife in the area.”

The enhancement works at Cricklade is part of the Upper Thames Barbel project.

Over the last two years, 4,000 juvenile barbel have been released into the river between Hannigton Bridge and Newbridge.

The barbel have been marked with a distinctive blue dye so that the EA can keep track of how the population is developing.

Barbel can live up to 25 years and their presence indicates a high water quality river habitat.

Anglers are being asked to do their bit by reporting any barbel which have the distinctive blue spots on the underside of the fish which will help the EA build a more complete picture of the barbel species’ movements and survival rates.

If you catch a barbel, contact Chris Bell on 01491 828358.