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South Solihull

Diglis Island and Fish Pass

Photo of information board "Welcome to Diglis Island & Fish Pass"

Science Group members enjoying coffee at a café — Mid-morning coffee

On June 25^th the Science group travelled to Worcester by train to visit Diglis Island and the Fish Pass on the River Severn.

After a group coffee break near the station we had some free time and lunch before walking along the river from Worcester Cathedral to Diglis Island. This is a man-made island just south of the city centre, created in 1844 during construction of the separate channel and lock allowing boats to navigate past the weir. The island was formerly home to the British Waterways Board offices, and was a long-time regional hub for lock-gate manufacture.

The Diglis Fish Pass - close-up of rising-level tank sections — The Diglis Fish Pass

Diglis Weir, on the River Severn at Worcester, with the Fish Pass structure on the far side of the weir — Diglis Weir, on the River Severn. The Fish Pass is on the far side

We enjoyed a guided tour of the island and its workshop before crossing the river to see the Fish Pass, which was completed and opened in 2021, allowing salmon, twaite shad and other fish to bypass the weir and reach their upstream breeding grounds. From the glass-walled viewing area at the upstream end, below the water level, the fish can be seen swimming through the pass.

Science Group members are greeted by the Diglis tour guide

Science Group members looking around Diglis workshop

We had a very enjoyable and interesting day.