MAJOR work is shortly to start on a stretch of the River Avon in Salisbury.

Starting in early October, staff from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Wessex Chalk Streams project will be overseeing major work that aims to address decades of damage done to the river by dredging.

Project officer Martijn Antheunisse said: “Over previous years, the river has been straightened, narrowed and made deeper. At that time, no one considered that these actions would have such a negative impact on the local wildlife. “The work we are undertaking, in partnership with agencies such as the Environment Agency, will create new habitats to encourage wildlife to return to the river.”

The project, funded by the Environment Agency and Natural England, is also supported by Salisbury City Council and Salisbury and District Angling Club.

“The work will include returning the river to a more natural course, and we will be creating an environment that will support species like otter, water vole, salmon and trout.

"We know that the area is popular for local people, including dog walkers who take their dogs to swim in the river. Unfortunately, dogs scrambling in and out of the water also damages the banks so, as part of our plans, we are putting in areas where dogs can easily get in and out which will make it easier for them and less damaging for the environment.”

To answer any questions from local people about the project, representatives from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the city council will be available on Thursday, 26 September from 11am to 5pm at the sports field at The Butts.

People are being warned to take care when using the river area from Mill Lane Bridge, near Five Rivers Leisure centre while the work is underway.