The Tweed Foundation will be undertaking some in-river netting again this summer to help with its exploitation study. 2009's netting work will be particularly important as in 2008, due to the exceptionally high water levels experienced practically the whole summer, only one date in July was possible.  Netting quantities of Salmon and Sea-trout via one of the three remaining in-river netting stations on Tweed is a highly effective way for the Tweed biologists to obtain a good quantity of samples. Fish netted out of the River are measured, have a scale sample taken and are then tagged on the dorsal fin before being returned, unharmed, to the water.  Subsequent recaptures, reported to The Foundation by rod-and-line anglers, helps establish the exploitation rate of the fish as well as providing an indication of stock movement throughout the river system.

 Several dates throughout the summer months are planned at Paxton House netting station - including six Saturdays which should suit family viewings -  and all are very welcome to come along and watch this fascinating process.
Pulling in the net at Paxton


A tagged fish is returned to the River at Paxton, September 2006


2009 Netting dates for scientific research at  Paxton netting station.

Saturday, 6th June at 13.00 Hrs
Saturday, 20th June at 11.45 Hrs
Saturday, 4th July at 12.00 Hrs
Saturday, 18th July at 09.45 Hrs
Saturday, 8th August at 15.30 Hrs
Saturday, 5th September at 14.30 Hrs

Tuesday, 15th September at 10.45 Hrs
Wednesday, 16th September at 12.00 Hrs
Thursday, 17th September at 13.30 Hrs
Friday, 18th September at 14.45 Hrs

Water conditions play a large part in this exercise, and so to ensure that you will not be disappointed it is vital to check that the water height is suitable for the netting to take place.  The key to netting at Paxton is the river height at the Norham gauging station:

If the river level at the Norham station is 1' 6" or less, then the netting will take place.

The River Levels can be found on the FishTweed website

or on the Tweedline River Information Service, Telephone 09060 400411

(Calls to this service are charged at £1.50 per minute from a BT landline and other network and mobile costs may vary. Profits from your call will go to The Tweed Foundation to help preserve fish stocks. The service is provided by The Tweed Foundation, Drygrange Steading, Melrose, TD6 9DJ and any difficulties with this service should be reported to +44 (0)1896 848271.)

Please note: Normal admission charges to Paxton House and Grounds apply.