John Aplin
Introducing the riverworks team:
John Aplin
Managing Director of Casterbridge Fisheries Ltd
Introduction:
Born with a healthy obsession for fishing and all that goes with it, I was determined from a very young age to make fishing and all that goes with it, a way of life.
With School under my belt, I attended Sparsholt College in Hampshire to study Fisheries Management and shortly after completing this; I began my own business which involved managing coarse and game fisheries, two fishing tackle shops and River Keeper to our valuable chalk streams locally.
The last twenty five years have put the business in good stead and I am pleased to say that with my team, I have successfully delivered all the projects that our Clients have presented to us, within budget and on time. With a strong client data base, Casterbridge Fisheries can be seen all over Southern England and occasionally further afield.
I have great pride in saying that the Company has grown from strength to strength, even during difficult economic times.
Specialist area:
I have a huge passion for all the chalk stream fishing that we look after.
All aspects of the company’s projects, project design, consent and delivery.
Advisory and consultancy, survey work and guiding both here and in the Florida Keys
Favourite fishery project:
The river Frome below Dorchester, a lovely enhancement project involving the introduction of new spawning riffles, bank and bed re profiling and lots of large woody debris.
Fondest fishing memory:
Catching a huge wild Brown trout out of a pool on a winterbourne, on a Devon minnow that was given to me by my granddad, and having to tie it to the cross bar on my bike to get it home.
Ultimate fishing destination:
I have to pick two, firstly the river Frome in Dorset and the Florida Keys.
Vision for the company’s future:
With a dedicated team behind me, we aim to continue to offer the best services possible within the water, fishing and fishery management industry.
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Elliot McBryde
Elliot McBryde Project Manager
Email: Elliot@RiverWorks.co.uk
Introduction:
Devon Born & Dorset Bred, I grew up believing I could be the next Gerald Durrell, and thoroughly interested in many aspects of countryside life. Having studied Countryside management at Kingston Maurward, my aspirations were set, to work in the great outdoors as much as possible. I also have a passion about wood, using seasoned and live wood, to produce something to look back on for years to come.
I joined Casterbridge fisheries in 2003, knowing that I was contributing to a well run, friendly, family business.
Specialist area:
Chalk stream restoration, domestic ponds and water features, survey work, and all aspects of carpentry & Construction.
Favourite fishery project:
A large live willow bank revetment project for a client on the river Frome, and of course days spent electric fishing and collecting data.
Fondest fishing memory:
My first wild brown trout from the upper reaches of the Tadnoll Brook.
Ultimate fishing destination:
Rio Cisnes Valley, Patagonia. Chile.
Vision for the company’s future:
To continually expand the company client base, and continue to provide excellent customer service.
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Eddie Hopkins
Eddie Hopkins
Introduction
Eddie has spent 24 years working for the Environment Agency and its predecessors, he started work in fisheries in 1985 working at Avington Fishery, his time being split between the fishery on the River Itchen and its two other fish farms in Dorset. This was followed by two years at Sparsholt college with work experience placements in Scotland and Germany, in 1987 he joined Thames Water as a fish rearing officer, rearing salmon for the Thames Salmon Scheme and coarse fish for restocking. Through out the NRA period his role was Fisheries Officer on the Upper Thames, carrying out enhancements, fish population surveys, fishery management, enforcement and consenting etc. In 2003 he moved to Dorset taking up a position as Ecological Appraisal Officer specialising in electric fishing surveys, redd counting and estuarine seine netting and trawling.
Specialist area:
Eddie’s broad range of monitoring experience makes him the ideal lead on the collection and reporting of fisheries and ecological data, including freshwater and estuarine fish population surveys, river habitat surveys (RHS) and aquatic plant surveys.
Favourite fishery project:
The collection of long term fish population data on the Wessex Rivers, especially the annual long reach electric fishing surveys carried on the Hampshire Avon and Dorset Stour.
Fondest fishing memory:
Catching my first big pike when I was 13 years old and beating my previous best by 25lb!
Ultimate fishing destination:
Scotland and Irelands great Lochs with their vast expanses of open water, stunning scenery and fantastic fishing.
Vision for the company’s future:
To provide a consistent high quality service, carefully tailored to our customers requirements that we can all be proud of putting the “Riverworks” name to..
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Ashley Way
Ashley Way. BSc Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
Introduction
Having spent 18 years as Structural Design Engineer in the Aviation industry working mainly on Helicopter design, I decided that I wanted to change my career and way of life and pursue a career in Ecology and Wildlife and Conservation. In 2007 I enrolled on a BSc degree program at Bournemouth University and graduated this year with honours. During the last 3 years I have concentrated my efforts in the area of Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries Management, and recently undertook a research project assessing fish pass efficacy and effects on river Frome Atlantic salmon. During this time I was able to gain valuable experience in habitat surveying and electric fishing. Having lived in Dorset for many years I have a passion for protecting our native wildlife and local rivers.
Specialist area:
Fish passage; Habitat surveying; Species sampling and monitoring; Structural design; Project Management; Geographical Information Systems (GIS); Computer Aided Design (CAD); Mechanical Engineering; Report writing.
Favourite fishery project:
My favourite, and first, river restoration project was the Dorchester Mill Stream Enhancement Scheme to improve the ecological quality of the stream for the benefit of wildlife by helping to build low level Berms to narrow the wide sections, allowing the river to create pools and shallow riffles for fish to spawn. This work included installation of stakes, hazel faggots, and pre-planted coir fibre rolls & pallets.
Fondest fishing memory:
Night fishing for catfish in the River Amazon Brazil or Marlin fishing off the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii.
Ultimate fishing destination:
British Columbia Canada, Salmon Fishing.
Vision for the company’s future:
My vision is to help John and the team to continue to provide the customers with a 1st class service in a professional and sustainable manner. I also hope to contribute to the business success and expansion by continually adding further skills whilst promoting freshwater ecology and conservation for the benefit of both humans and biodiversity to ensure the future survival of our riverine habitat and our precious wildlife.
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Allan Frake
Allan Frake BSc.MSB.FIFM.C.Env.
Introduction
Allan has spent 38 years working in the fisheries & conservation department of the Environment Agency and its predecessors within the Wessex area managing various monitoring programmes from sewage treatment, water supply, chemical & biological river and stillwater water quality as well as salmonid and coarse fish investigations. Latterly he has been involved together with a number of both National & European environmental projects and has given numerous presentations both here in the UK and abroad. He is also a active in promoting the habitat enhancement initiatives of the Wild Trout Trust
Specialist area:
An entire life time spent working on chalk rivers has enabled Allan to appreciate the incredible complexity of these systems and what pressures they are under. His particular specialism is river habitat management and river restoration.
Favourite fishery project:
The European 4 year LIFE project on the the Hants /Wiltshire Avon involving large scale river restoration and the allied ‘Living River’ Project building an appreciation of the river by communities who live within the catchment.
Fondest fishing memory:
A magic moment from the person who inspired Allan to be interested in fish as a youngster ; brief fishing encounter with Bernard Venables on the Dorset Stour ; helping him put bait on his hook fishing for pike, as his eyesight was fading at the age of 90.
Ultimate fishing destination:
The awe inspiring Fraser River and its salmon runs….fishing, and even catching a fish would be a bonus.
Vision for the company’s future:
Successful development and implementation of sustainable, cost effective and real environmental value for money river restoration and habitat enhancement projects.
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Clive Thorp
Clive Thorp
Introduction:
My career to date includes 8 years Royal Navy with an administrative basis, although did have plenty of time on the water. I was lucky enough to play hockey at a senior level representing the Royal Navy and Joint Services. I then joined the NHS for the next 20 years moving around the country in various general management roles. The specific tasks that I enjoyed most were the projects that I managed. It was extremely rewarding to be able to see something that had been constructed and you had played a part in putting it there.
I am the secretary to the Wessex Branch of the S&TA and membership secretary to the Frome Piddle and West Dorset Fisheries Association.
I try and find as much time as possible to fish for trout and grayling – taking my children as often as they wish to come along.
Specialist area:
I have been privileged to have worked with John Aplin as project manager for several projects on behalf of the Frome Piddle and West Dorset Fisheries Association. I have a strong general management and in particular project management experience. In addition I am also a licensed UKCC Level 2 Angling Coach.
Favourite fishery project:
I am currently working as project manager for the installation of a fish pass at Palmers Brewery, Bridport. The fish pass will open up an additional 20 km of river for our migratory fish!
Fondest fishing memory:
My fondest memory has to be taking my children fishing on a lovely Stillwater called Roostings at North Elham in Norfolk. Maddie was 4 the first time she came with me and Adam came along when he was the same age. It is a beautiful spot and the children were riveted with all the wildlife around them. Maddie caught her first fish here.
Ultimate fishing destination:
Canada
Vision for the “Riverworks” future:
To provide a first class service to the continued improvement and management of our natural environment
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Arron Barclay
Arron Barclay
Introduction:
I have worked in the industry for over 10 years, and over that time have worked on all types of projects, from river restoration to dredging from floating pontoons in the middle of a lake, I have been involved with some prestigious projects both domestic and commercial. I have had over 3 years experience as a contracts manager and have gained a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture as well as certification on most plant equipment. I have worked all over the country and dealt with alot of different situations. I am proud of the fact that I can find ways of overcoming all problems which may present themselves with the projects that are undertaken.
Specialist area:
Ponds, natural swimming pools, and water feature construction.
Favourite fisheries project:
The first contract I worked on, Which was a weed control channel Just outside of Newbury.
Fondest fishing memory:
The first double figure fish I Ever caught.
Ultimate fishing destination:
The Maldives.
Vision for the company’s future:
I would like to see “Riverworks” under taking the more challenging projects that others turn down, for both commercial and public contracts.
Being known as the company that can overcome any problem and deliver the same high standard of work for both the easier and the more difficult jobs.
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Tony King
Tony King
Introduction:
I have been involved in fishing and fisheries related projects since the 60s, initially in angling club projects to consulting and contracting to the Buccleuch Estates, the Annan District salmon Board, Tweed Foundation and the West Galloway Fisheries trust on major revetment and habitat projects on the rivers of Southern Scotland.
I have been a contractor in award winning projects in the Wild Trout Trust conservation awards and outright winner in 2002 with the Stennies Water Project.
Full instructor and Assessor for the Ukcc and Gaic fly casting qualifications.
Specialist area:
Fly fishing and casting instruction.
Origination and implementation of habitat improvement projects on Gravel rivers
Favourite fishery project:
Repairs of major flood damage to section of the river Nith for Buccleuch Estates ltd at Dunlamrigg and various Habitat improvement projects on the spawning tributaries of the Border Esk
Fondest fishing memory:
27lb fly caught salmon in view of my Back door
Ultimate fishing destination:
Caribbean Bone fish and Permit
Vision for the company’s future:
Involvement in securing the future of Britain’s riverine habitat through Habitat improvement and encouraging sympathetic use of the facility to young and future anglers