Tewkesbury Town Hall Tewkesbury
Sunday 14th April 2019 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Return of the shad – free talk in Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury Town Hall Tewkesbury
Sunday 14th April 2019 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Spring is nearly here and the Shad (a migrating fish, related to Herring) are gathering in the estuary. For the past two years we have monitored their annual migration along the River Severn and followed their story as they attempt to breed in the freshwater upstream.
If you want to know more about your local river, and the life that lies beneath the surface, join our Volunteering Officer Tim as he reveals what we’ve discovered so far about this amazing natural phenomenon. Find out where to see the fish up close and how you can get involved in the research.
All are welcome to this free event and refreshments will be provided.
By using this website you agree to accept our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
A World Heritage Site and the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution, the Ironbridge Gorge is home to some amazing museums that make for an unforgettable experience.
Worcester is a key location for Unlocking the Severn.
Two of the River Severn fish passes will be constructed here.
At Diglis – engineers will install a deep vertical slot fish pass next to the weir.
This fish pass will also include an innovative underwater viewing gallery for monitoring the fish and providing a whole new perspective on life beneath the water.
We are also restoring a Victorian workshop on Diglis Island to provide a place for learning and exhibitions.
At Bevere – a 100m bypass-channel will be introduced with blocks and a shallow enough gradient for shad to swim around the weir.
Coming Up:
– Our next information event on Diglis Island – due to take place in July – details to be confirmed nearer the time.
– Exhibitions and activities will take place at The Hive – including children’s activities during Easter holidays and a photography exhibition in August 2019
– Places of Poetry workshops in July 2019.
View of Worcester from Diglis Island
Shrewsbury is a town which has grown within a dramatic loop of the River Severn.
Volunteers have helped us investigate the Shropshire Archives here for insights into how the towns history relates to the river, and how what records of shad we can find of shad they used to migrate all the way to Shrewsbury and beyond.
In 2020, an Unlocking the Severn Exhibition will be installed at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.
Tewkesbury is an important location for monitoring shad as the Upper Lode Weir on the Severn Ham, is the only place on the River Severn you can easily observe shad, as they swim over a notch in the weir.
You can join our people-powered science project at the riverside in May. Find Out More
In Gloucester we have partnered with the National Waterways Museum run by the Canal and River Trust.
In 2020 an exhibition about Unlocking the Severn will be brought to the National Waterways Museum.
In the meantime, you can come and meet members of the project team and find out more Unlocking the Severn at the Gloucester Tall Ships & Adventure Festival on the second May bank holiday weekend: 25 – 27 May.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!