Hoghton Bottoms weir before construction began

Hoghton Bottoms weir is one of many barriers on the River Darwen. It is also the barrier who’s alteration will bring the single greatest increase in habitat connectivity in the project, and largest barrier to be addresses through Ribble Life Together.

The weir sits at the top of a picturesque sandstone gorge- the only feature of its type in the Ribble Catchment- and it is crossed by the Hoghton Tower Viaduct. The weir is a famous local landmark and is easily accessible thanks to a public footpath running alongside the river. This structure is also an important piece of local history, and once provided water to Higher Mill and Livesey’s Cotton Factory. The mill leat is still visible in it’s entirity, from the weir to the viaduct over the river.

The rock ramp during construction

Due to the site significance historically, and as a much loved landmark, any alterations to the structure had to be contentious. Various options were considered but a rock ramp fish passage up the side of the weir was thought to be the best solution. The work was completed in August 2018 and has already proved successful with evidence of migratory fish being found just weeks after the projects completion.

The completed rock ramp

To find our more about the River Darwen catchment and Hoghton Bottoms read our blog posts on the Ribble Rivers Trust website.