The River Yar is the dominant feature of the East Wight landscape. Clustered along its 25km length are vital services including water supply, food production, transport, recreation and wildlife conservation. This central role has led to major changes in the River’s condition. The Isle of Wight Council commissioned a report to suggest ways that the river could be enhanced. Informed by this Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency are leading work to address some of the most pressing of these issues including:

improving opportunities for fish migration by removing man-made barriers;
reconnecting the River with its natural floodplain;
improving natural river flow.

So far fish easements have been put in the river at Horringford Bridge and Langbridge. More projects will follow later.

Gateway to the East is part of the Down to the Coast Programme.