River Lark Fish Pass: Environment Agency Starts £1 Million Work

A project started near Mildenhall. It will cost one million pounds. They will help fish swim more freely. The River Lark is a rare chalk stream. There are only 200 like it.

The Environment Agency began building a fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark. This lets fish move upstream easier. Wild trout, eels, and other fish can spawn there and find food more easily.

The project will fix three spots around Mildenhall that block the fish. They consulted with local councils and people. This helps improve the river area’s wildlife.

The work involves removing two obstacles, weirs that stop the fish. They will build a rock ramp for the fish using limestone rocks to shelter them. The project will take about three months.

Suffolk County Council supports projects like this. West Suffolk Council also welcomes the river work, as it benefits the river and its wildlife.

During the work, a path will close on the Lark’s north side, near Mill Street. The path goes to the cricket field track. Signs will show an alternate route.

The project is part of a larger river scheme supported by lottery funds. Suffolk County Council runs the partnership. Many groups are involved, like Anglian Water and Natural England.