Extreme E's Hydro X Prix has 'transformative' impact on restoring salmon breeding grounds
An all-electric racing series' visit to Dumfriesshire has had a 'truly transformative' impact on a project to restore salmon breeding grounds.
This week marks one year since Extreme E held the second Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch near Sanquhar.
Extreme E has held the Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch near Sanquhar for the past two years.
As part of the series' legacy programme, it joined forces with Nith District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) to help with tree planting in a bid to boost salmon stocks and improve their breeding grounds.
And the efforts are already paying off, with the number of salmon fry found in every 100 square metres having improved by more than 200 per cent.
NDSFB fishery director, Jim Henderson, said: 'The support from Extreme E has been truly transformative. Our goals were aligned from the offset, to initiate a project which would grow into a lasting environmental project that lasts long after the race has ended, leaving positive legacy.
'Their investment helped us establish not just a tree nursery, but a living laboratory for the local community, a place where young people can connect with nature, learn about conservation, and be inspired to become future stewards of our environment. It's a legacy that will continue to shape our river and our community for years to come.'
Extreme E – which is becoming Extreme H due to its switch from electric to hydrogen power – got involved with the project during its first visit to the region in 2023 by helping with tree planting.
Last year, pupils from Kelloholm Primary who had helped launched the scheme returned to plant more trees along the spawning ground a new plant nursery developed thanks to the series support.
As well as helping NDSFB propagate local seeds into seedlings, it has also given them a living classroom
More than 3000 native hardwood trees have been installed along the river bank, creating protective corridors for ecosystems to thrive.
This has helped stabilise the banks, reducing erosion and the risk of salmon egg mortality, with fences protecting young trees from grazing livestock.
Extreme H's official sustainability partner EY has used their outcome measurement framework to show the benefits of the project – such as number of trees planted and increased biodiversity.
Extreme H's director of communications and impact, Julia Wall-Clarke, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see the legacy programme continue to grow and evolve here on the River Nith.
'What began as a meaningful initiative alongside our Hydro X Prix has become a truly community-led project with long-term environmental impact.
'Jim and his team deserve huge credit for their vision and commitment in creating a space that not only restores vital habitats but also empowers local people to take ownership of their natural environment. We'll be watching its progress with pride in the years to come.'
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Daily Record
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Extreme E's Hydro X Prix has 'transformative' impact on restoring salmon breeding grounds
The series - now called Extreme H - joined forces with Nith District Salmon Fishery Board to help with tree planting in a bid to boost salmon stocks. An all-electric racing series' visit to Dumfriesshire has had a 'truly transformative' impact on a project to restore salmon breeding grounds. This week marks one year since Extreme E held the second Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch near Sanquhar. Extreme E has held the Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch near Sanquhar for the past two years. As part of the series' legacy programme, it joined forces with Nith District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) to help with tree planting in a bid to boost salmon stocks and improve their breeding grounds. And the efforts are already paying off, with the number of salmon fry found in every 100 square metres having improved by more than 200 per cent. NDSFB fishery director, Jim Henderson, said: 'The support from Extreme E has been truly transformative. Our goals were aligned from the offset, to initiate a project which would grow into a lasting environmental project that lasts long after the race has ended, leaving positive legacy. 'Their investment helped us establish not just a tree nursery, but a living laboratory for the local community, a place where young people can connect with nature, learn about conservation, and be inspired to become future stewards of our environment. It's a legacy that will continue to shape our river and our community for years to come.' Extreme E – which is becoming Extreme H due to its switch from electric to hydrogen power – got involved with the project during its first visit to the region in 2023 by helping with tree planting. Last year, pupils from Kelloholm Primary who had helped launched the scheme returned to plant more trees along the spawning ground a new plant nursery developed thanks to the series support. As well as helping NDSFB propagate local seeds into seedlings, it has also given them a living classroom More than 3000 native hardwood trees have been installed along the river bank, creating protective corridors for ecosystems to thrive. This has helped stabilise the banks, reducing erosion and the risk of salmon egg mortality, with fences protecting young trees from grazing livestock. Extreme H's official sustainability partner EY has used their outcome measurement framework to show the benefits of the project – such as number of trees planted and increased biodiversity. Extreme H's director of communications and impact, Julia Wall-Clarke, said: 'We are incredibly proud to see the legacy programme continue to grow and evolve here on the River Nith. 'What began as a meaningful initiative alongside our Hydro X Prix has become a truly community-led project with long-term environmental impact. 'Jim and his team deserve huge credit for their vision and commitment in creating a space that not only restores vital habitats but also empowers local people to take ownership of their natural environment. We'll be watching its progress with pride in the years to come.'
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