THE rivers Lugg and Arrow were once famous for their wildlife and excellent trout fishing.

Sadly, there has been gross deterioration in the last 10 years with great reduction in invertebrate life and, as a result, in trout and other fish and in birds such as dippers which feed in the rivers.

This is related to pollution, silting and other factors. There are also very few native crayfish now due to a lethal fungus introduced to the country with foreign larger crayfish - bred for consumption - which are immune to the fungus disease.

Bank owners, fishing syndicates and naturalists are anxious to restore the former state of the rivers and the Lugg and Arrow Fisheries Association was formed in 2003.

There are now more than 100 members and action to improve matters is about to start, thanks to the Wye and Usk Foundation with whom the association is now linked.

The foundation has raised funds to improve the Wye and Usk which have suffered in the same way and work on the upper Wye has already led to improved trout and salmon breeding and movement.

A passport scheme has been created which can arrange for fishermen who do not have fishing on the Wye or its tributaries to have a day on a stretch of river with the agreement of the local owners. Such a scheme produces money which can be used for improvements and conservation.

The foundation, with its expertise and staff, is now applying for grants on behalf of the association for similar action on the Lugg and Arrow and hopes that work will start in the next six months.

The association would welcome more members - not just fishermen but bank owners who would benefit from the improvements, naturalists and others.

Applications for membership and inquiries can be made to the treasurer, Mr J MacLaren, Parkfield, Crown East, Worcester, WR2 5TV or call 01905 425667.