The small dam at Ahetze in France was completely removed in September 2022, thanks to funding from the Open Rivers Programme. The demolition was very quick and it took less than half a day, using a mechanical shovel, to break up and remove the concrete from the river.
The demolition was carried out before the breeding season of the brown trout, enabling to access improved breeding areas later this year. A plant cover was sown, along with some willow cuttings, to speed up the healing of the bank.
For the full project description, please visit the Ahetze Dam project page.
