The N&BFT fish habitat survey identified a number of issues relating to the Erchless Burn and a collaborative project has commenced to instigate remedial action.

Three key issues were identified in the habitat survey: timber blockages; over shading by riparian trees; and encroachment by non-native rhododendron.

In the summer of 2010 key blockages were removed in a sensitive and careful fashion. Ordinarily, woody debris fulfil a number of important ecological functions, however in extreme circumstances large accumulations can hinder or prevent fish movement. Ben Clinch, a professional forester working for Bowlts, has incorporated measures into the forestry design plan for Erchless Estate  that are aimed at providing improvements  in light penetration into the burn in the near future.

The control and removal of non-native vegetation is a pressing issue within the Beauly catchment and it is hoped that projects will be developed in the coming months aimed at addressing this problem.  This project has been highly collaborative in nature with partners including N&BFT, Beauly District Fishery Board, Upper Beauly Fishings Syndicate, Erchless Estate and Bowlts.