Inaugural Orri Award winners announced

New community-based conservation grant launched

The North Atlantic Salmon Fund has announced the first recipients of its Orri Award, a new community-based salmon conservation grant launched in autumn 2025.

Ribble Rivers Trust and River Cree Hatchery & Habitat Trust have each been awarded £10,000 in match funding to support practical river restoration projects.

Honouring salmon conservationist Orri Vigfússon

The award is named after the late Orri Vigfússon, founder of NASF and internationally respected salmon conservationist, and recognises local initiatives combining sound conservation practice with community engagement.

River Cree Hatchery & Habitat Trust, founded in 2011 by Jamie Hyslop and members of Newton Stewart & District Angling Association, will use funding to expand its existing hatchery while continuing habitat improvement and education work in south-west Scotland. Project co-ordinator Murdo Crosbie said the grant will improve the quality and survivability of salmon fry used to supplement the River Cree’s wild population.

Ribble Rivers Trust’s Hodder Together project

Ribble Rivers Trust was selected for its ‘Hodder Together’ project, which focuses on in-river habitat restoration within the Ribble catchment. The work will introduce gravel, berms and riffle features to improve spawning habitat, involving local schoolchildren in citizen science and engaging anglers in monitoring spawning activity.

NASF (UK) chairman Robert Sloss said: “Well-designed, community-led initiatives can make a measurable difference in a relatively short space of time.”

Both projects begin delivery in late spring 2026.