Forthcoming construction works at Dolwen weir, Llanidloes

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - 26 July 2021:

Canoe Wales has been notified of forthcoming construction works at Dolwen weir, due to commence Monday 16 August for 6 weeks. This weir is on the River Severn between Llanidloes and Llandinam in Powys:

• Grid Reference SN 98980 85210
• Nearest postcode: SY17 5BB
• What3Words litters.quest.playfully

We advise all paddlers to exit the river on the right-hand bank before reaching the weir and re-enter further downstream, and to take extra care when using and exiting the river in this area.

Here's an update from Project Manager, Annie Price:

"I write to advise you of upcoming construction works at Dolwen weir (approximate Grid Reference SN 98980 85210).

As part of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) duties under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 we are installing fish easements on to the weir, to enable fish to pass over it and migrate to the upper reaches of thecatchment. The easements will be a permanent feature on the weir and will comprise different elements, including a series of baffles (similar to a ladder) bolted the face of the central channel of the weir, leading up to the crest of the weir, and small clusters of brush-type structures bolted to the right hand channel of the weir, as you look downstream. A pumped eel pass with be constructed to the right hand channel wing wall, as you look downstream.

In order to install the fish easements the contractor will be blocking off up to two of the weir channels at any one time to create a dry area within which to work. The work is anticipated to take up to 6 weeks, starting around Monday 16th August. I will advise if this changes. During this period canoeists and other users of the river will be able to exit the river prior to reaching the weir, on the right hand bank, and re-enter further downstream.

Please advise your members of the upcoming works and request that they take care when using and exiting the river in this area.

If you have any questions on the works, please contact me on 07823 355669 or annie.price@arup.com

Kind Regards,

Annie Price

Project Manager

Arup - on behalf of Natural Resources Wales

If you have any issues portaging around the weir during this time, or any concerns, please contact our Places to Paddle Manager Phil Stone on phil.stone@canoewales.com