Tweed Foundation & River Tweed Commission

After a spell of unsettled conditions, the recent change in weather has allowed salmon and sea trout to move freely towards the spawning grounds. Earlier this month, James Hunt attended the Gala Fish Counter as part of our ongoing monitoring programme.

We operate three fish counters across the Tweed District, on the Ettrick, Gala and Whiteadder tributaries. Due to the technical challenges of operating counters in open channels, each one is positioned within a narrow gap in a fish pass at historic caulds (weirs) originally built to divert water for local mills.

Installed in 2008, the Gala Fish Counter provides a long term record of salmon and sea trout moving upstream. As we continue our programme of enhanced monitoring on the Gala, the Tweed’s monitored river, we are further refining our understanding of the optimal number of spawning fish required to maximise smolt production.

Jamie Stewart
River Tweed Commission & Tweed Foundation

Tackling Poaching

Enforcement is vital to the protection of fish populations. The team carries out audits and inspections of fish movements, patrols the catchment to ensure no one is fishing during the closed season, looks for unlicensed or prohibited nets and lines, and engages with the public and fishery owners to raise awareness and encourage compliance.

Protection of Tweed salmon, sea trout, and freshwater fish is the responsibility of the River Tweed Commission - read more.

Fish-Eating Birds Count

James Hunt, Lead Biologist at the Tweed Foundation, is pictured here on the river during the fourth fish eating bird count of 2025. These coordinated counts take place in January, April, May and October as part of a long term monitoring programme that has tracked goosander and cormorant populations across the Tweed system for more than 30 years.

The survey methods have remained unchanged since the dataset began, allowing for reliable comparisons and clear interpretation of trends over time. The results continue to highlight distinct patterns in winter and spring populations, contributing valuable evidence to our understanding.

You can explore the latest data and graphs on the Tweed Foundation StoryMap.

Volunteering Opportunity

For the next couple of weeks one of the Tweed Foundation biologists, Suzanna Taylor, will be going through preserved water samples of macro invertebrates, which includes riverflies.

This process involves sifting through water samples to remove all the animals. Animals are then identified to family level. This is a time consuming but interesting process, and we would love your help - read more.

Tweed Foundation Silent Auction Is Now Live

We’re pleased to announce that the 2025 Fundraising Auction is now live, featuring a superb range of lots generously donated by supporters from across the Tweed catchment and beyond.

Every penny raised stays on the River Tweed, directly supporting our conservation and education work, including the TweedStart programme for young anglers.

From fishing experiences and sporting days to unique artwork and gifts, there’s something for everyone—and every bid makes a difference to the river, its fish, and the communities that depend on it - Tweed Foundation Auction 2025.

Field to Fork The Hirsel

A warm thank you to The Hirsel Estate for hosting another excellent Field to Fork day. Despite the chilly weather, the sun was out and Berwickshire High School pupils enjoyed a full and engaging day of hands-on learning outdoors.

Ben McCallum, Education Officer at the Tweed Foundation, delivered an introduction to fishing, giving pupils the chance to learn about the river, the species it supports, and the importance of conservation.

November update: The Gala Water

After several weeks waiting for higher flows, the Gala Water finally came into spate on November 1st. Over 300 plus salmon had passed through the fish counter during the morning, marking a strong movement of fish eager to reach the spawning grounds.

James Hunt reported "We’re on site today with a fish trap in operation. This allows us to take a sample of salmon heading upriver so we can better understand egg deposition further upstream. How many eggs do we need to maximise the number of smolts leaving"

In this short video, James explains the work taking place at the fish trap and why it matters for the health of the river and its salmon. Watch the Video.

Tweed Surveying Season

Matthew Little (Habitat Audit Officer) and Cody McFarlane (Biologist), have been busy this summer surveying the Leader, Ettrick and Lyne catchments. This has taken them to less visited corners of the catchment and provided some dramatic scenery, covering around 90km of watercourse over the season.

They are now processing and modelling data to inform riparian tree planting efforts with the aim to shade the channel and lower water temperature in the most sensitive parts of the river - read more.

Lot Number 4. Dryburgh Upper Fishing & Accommodation

Two Days Salmon Fishing for Four anglers on Dryburgh Upper Beat with Two Nights B&B at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

Enjoy an exceptional salmon fishing break on Dryburgh Upper, paired with two nights’ twin-room B&B accommodation at the historic Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, situated beside the river with views directly over the beat.

Fishing is available for four rods over two days, with dates to be taken between February and August 2026. Guests will be looked after by Head Ghillie Brian Lile, who will provide expert guidance, casting advice, and local knowledge throughout your stay. Bid Now.