About The Tweed Foundation

The Tweed Foundation is dedicated to protecting and improving the natural environment of the River Tweed. Our mission is to conserve and enhance all species of freshwater fish and their habitats, focusing primarily on the inland and coastal waters within the Tweed District. (As defined in The Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006 or any enactment amending or replacing the same). 

We are committed to educating the public, local authorities, government agencies, public bodies and organisations about the importance of the Tweeds aquatic ecosystems. Through our work, we aim to raise awareness of the value of healthy rivers, their plant and animal life, and the positive social and economic impacts of sustainable river management.

Our initiatives extend to the conservation and responsible management of fishery resources, water quality, and the wider environment. We encourage community participation through educational programs and recreational activities that connect people to the river’s natural resources. Whether through sports, conservation efforts, or educational outreach, we are committed to nurturing a lasting appreciation for the River Tweed and empowering everyone to contribute to its long-term sustainability.

Our primary activities include:

• Fish Population Surveys: Identifying which species use specific areas for breeding and assessing the quantity and quality of fish habitats.
• Juvenile Monitoring: Tracking young salmon and trout populations to detect any changes in their numbers.
• Adult Population Monitoring: Using fish counters and traps to assess adult fish populations.
• Catch Record Analysis: Studying catch records to identify trends and uncover environmental or other factors influencing fish stocks.
• Stock Structure Research: Investigating the age and growth patterns of salmon and trout, as well as identifying any unique sub-stocks within the Tweed system.

In addition to these core activities, the Foundation explores various aspects of fish biology and ecology, detailed in our Management Plan. The RTC has also entrusted the Foundation with its “increase” mandate—enhancing fish habitats within the catchment by improving both access (removing obstacles) and habitat quality to support thriving fish populations.