A PROJECT to protect wildlife in local streams has received a six figure grant as part of a multi million pound scheme targeting conservation efforts.

The Cam and Wellow Eel project has received £175,000 from the Species Recovery Programme’s Capital Grants Scheme, which was ran by Natural England from August 2023 to March 2025.

The project, which is ran by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, looks to allow the critically endangered European Eel to return to Cam Brook and Wellow Brook.

They specifically have seen eel tiles be installed on the Wellow Brook to help eels and elvers move along the river, while two weirs are soon to be removed on the Cam Brook.

Furthermore, additional barriers have been removed at two sites on the Midford Brook, which is connected to the Cam and the Wellow, to assist lamprey to pass through more easily.

The project has facilitated further conversations as to potential sites for barrier removal in the catchment.

The Cam Brook flows just north of Paulton and passes through Hallatrow, while the Wellow Brook passes through Radstock and Midsomer Norton.

Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said: “A rising number of nature recovery projects, both large and small, are making a huge difference up and down the country. The success of this programme is an example of how much we can do when we take a joined up, collaborative approach to restoring the natural world.

“We know we can turn round species decline and improve ecosystems with the right targeted actions, the drive and the funding.

“But time is running out fast - turning round nature’s decline needs to be a collective endeavour, so this is not just the preserve of dedicated specialists.

“Nature recovery work needs more projects, more volunteers and more money to flow from all sources, particularly the private sector.”