There are fresh signs that Atlantic salmon could be making a comeback in the River Ribble and its tributaries, according to encouraging early survey results.

The fish, once abundant throughout the Ribble catchment, have suffered a dramatic decline in recent decades because of pollution, barriers to migration, climate change and the loss of natural river habitats.

But the latest findings from Ribble Rivers Trust suggest the tide could be turning.

The Trust surveys more than 300 sites across the catchment every year, including the Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Darwen and Douglas and their tributaries, to monitor the health of the waterways and their fish populations.

The Ribble Rivers Trust surveys more than 300 sites across the catchment every year, including the Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Darwen and Douglas

placeholder image — The Ribble Rivers Trust surveys more than 300 sites across the catchment every year, including the Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Darwen and Douglas

Early results from this year's surveys have revealed a significant improvement following several years of disappointing salmon returns.

At one site, Trust staff recorded more than 100 juvenile Atlantic salmon within just a few minutes.

Another site produced its first salmon in more than 10 years, raising hopes that the species is beginning to recover in parts of the catchment.

Adam Wheeler, Fisheries Officer at Ribble Rivers Trust, said: "This year's surveys give us real hope for the future. It's a cracking bit of news and a reminder that, when rivers are given the help they need to recover, fish quickly respond."

The Trust has spent the past 25 years working to improve the Ribble and its tributaries for salmon, trout and other freshwater wildlife.

Its work has included removing barriers to fish migration, opening up culverted watercourses, reconnecting rivers with their natural floodplains, planting riverside woodland and restoring spawning and nursery habitats.

Jack Spees, CEO at Ribble Rivers Trust, said: £For 25 years, Ribble Rivers Trust has worked to improve our rivers for fish and other freshwater life.

“While there is still a huge amount of work to do, these early results suggest that targeted, science-led river restoration is paying off.”

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Recent projects have included major habitat restoration at Langden Brook, where new spawning gravels have been introduced to improve conditions for salmon and trout.

The work is designed to restore the natural processes that fish depend on throughout their lives.

Atlantic salmon are also regarded as an indicator species because healthy populations generally depend on clean water, connected rivers and good-quality habitats.

That means an increase in salmon numbers could be a positive sign for the wider health of the Ribble catchment and the many other species which rely on its rivers.

Charlotte Ireland Pope, Fundraising and Publicity Officer at Ribble Rivers Trust, said: "Projects like the gravel restoration work at Langden Brook show that practical, on-the-ground conservation can achieve real results.

"When combined with our education work in schools and our engagement with communities across the catchment, we're helping to create rivers that are healthy enough to support abundant wildlife while inspiring people to care about these special places as much as we do."

Survey work will continue until late September, ahead of the annual autumn migration when adult salmon begin their journey upstream towards their spawning grounds.

The full survey results will be analysed over the coming months but if the positive trends continue, 2026 could prove to be a landmark year for Atlantic salmon in the Ribble catchment.

The catchment covers the land drained by the River Ribble and its major tributaries, including the Hodder and Calder.