NUNNINGTON Hall and the North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) are working together to raise the awareness of World Fish Migration Day and celebrate the River Rye.

On Saturday, the National Trust property, will be working with local organisations, including the Ryevitalise team from the NYMNP, the East Yorkshire Rivers Trust, the Angling Trust and local wildlife enthusiasts who will be onsite to provide a variety of activities, including live river bed sampling and identification, have a go at fly fishing, informative talks and crafts such as willow fish weaving.

The World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) is a one-day global celebration to spread awareness on the importance of open rivers and migratory fish, and it is coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation.

Many migratory fish species are severely threatened. The main causes are man-made obstacles like dams, weirs and sluices, which disrupt the natural flow of rivers and prevent fish migration.

Many fish need to migrate to reproduce, feed and complete their life cycles. Migratory fish make up a crucial link in the food chain and play an important role in healthy and productive river systems.

Furthermore they provide an important food supply and livelihood for millions of people around the world.

On Saturday, organisations from around the world will provide opportunities, through a range of activities, for people to get involved and learn more about the importance of rivers and the wildlife they support.

Laura Kennedy, visitor experience manager at Nunnington Hall, said: “We’re proud and excited to be a part of the celebrations.

“The River Rye that runs next to the hall has been prized for hundreds of years for its beauty, and was even diverted to curl around the hall creating the picturesque scene we you can see today.

“Yet its most important virtue is by far the wildlife it creates and supports.

“Throughout the day visitors can ‘get to know your river’ with live river bed sampling and identification, learn about the migration of some of our amazing fish species that make the Rye their home, have a go at fly fishing on the lawn led by local anglers in our ‘catch of the day’ and join one of our popular mayfly or river life talks.

“As ever, there will be plenty of crafts, garden trails and games to keep the kids entertained.”

Activities will be running throughout the day from 10.30am to 4pm.

For more information, phone 01439 748283 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/nunningtonhall

The Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is currently under development, is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, North York Moors National Park Authority and partners.

The scheme aims to protect, enhance and improve the natural and cultural heritage of the River Rye, resulting in a better functioning, understood and appreciated landscape.

For more information on the project, go to northyorkmoors.org.uk/looking-after/our-projects-and-partnerships/landscape-partnerships/ryevitalise