WATCH: Could new initiative restore Moray salmon numbers?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Newly completed conservation work some 70 miles upstream from Moray could potentially provide a major boost to salmon numbers here.
A lack of woodland beside the banks of the River Spey's upper reaches has resulted in few of the features needed to support diverse aquatic life.
The Upper Spey river restoration project has therefore seen 65 trees felled and deliberately placed into the water at strategic points.
The trees, which still have their roots attached, are already said to be having a significant impact on the river, with an increase in insect and microbial life being witnessed.
Deeper pools are forming upstream of the trees. Meanwhile gravel bars are being created downstream of them, as are 'riffles' which are shallow parts over which the water flows in a broken pattern.
All three of these features are helping biodiversity to flourish.
The hope now is that this will have the knock-on effect of encouraging more wildlife to return to this section of the river, including the precious wild Atlantic salmon, whose numbers are currently described as at crisis point.
Penny Lawson, the Spey Catchment Initiative's project officer, said: "The Upper Spey river restoration project is a great example of what can be achieved when the objectives of a landowner, funders, and other partners align.
"Adding large woody structures to our rivers is a straightforward and cost-effective way to improve degraded rivers for all wildlife and, in particular, Atlantic Salmon.
"We look forward to building on this success through future habitat restoration work."
The 65 trees were felled at Glenshero, near Loch Spey, with the permission of the landowner, Jahama Highland Estates.
Jonathan Hart OBE from Jahama Highland Estates said: "We are proud to have supported and helped deliver this successful project which is part of our long-term commitment to improving the ecological health of the upper Spey and its surrounding habitats.
"We're also delighted it has already had a positive impact on the river's ecosystem.
"This project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations collaborate to tackle environmental challenges."
It's also hoped that, over time, the felled trees may help to reconnect the river with its flood plain, contributing to reducing flooding downstream.
Funding for the Upper Spey river restoration project was secured last year from NatureScot through the nature restoration fund, which encourages the use of nature-based solutions.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Spey Catchment Initiative, Jahama Highland Estate (which is part of Alvance British Aluminium based in Fort William) and the Spey Fishery Board.
