21/03/2005 - The Environment
Agency is to convert a historic salmon hut
at Newnham on Severn into a permanent exhibition
as part of our drive to preserve the unique
salmon fishing history of the Severn Estuary.
We own the salmon hut which is a Grade II
listed building. It was passed on to us from
Severn Trent Water ltd and our predecessor
National Rivers Authority. We now hope to
bring new life to the property for public
use.
It was originally a salmon hut set on the
banks of the river. It was used to store equipment
upstairs, with a room downstairs for the salmon
fishermen to rest up while waiting for the
night tides.
We are modifying the hut to become a small
information centre illustrating various salmon
fishing techniques unique to the Severn, many
of which are no longer practiced. It will
also contain a small exhibition showing the
close relationship between the estuary and
the Forest of Dean.
It is part of our wider plan, together with
various partners, to establish a heritage
trail linking together points of interest
on both sides of the river, including Lydney
docks, putcher ranks and geological and historical
points of interest. Timber from the Forest
of Dean was used for boat building, including
British galleons. Minerals such as coal and
iron ore were mined and shipped to out of
Lydney docks, to all points of the compass
so there is an interesting history to discover.
We have also acquired the last serviceable
"stop boat" on the Severn Estuary.
This method of fishing is unique to the Severn
and several rivers in south west Wales. At
one time, anchored boats across the estuary
used their large nets balanced by counterweights
on beams to catch the salmon.
Pat Hayes Fisheries and recreation officer
comments,
"Much of the history is being lost and
we have a duty to preserve it for future generations.
We want to give the public a place where they
can enjoy and learn at the same time."
Notes:
The putcher is a funnel shaped fishing trap
made from willow and hazel. Individual putchers
are grouped together to form a fishing weir.
As the tide recedes the putcher ranks become
exposed and the fisherman would have to harvest
the fish before the tide turned, once again
engulfing the weir.
