Naturetrek Supports Eel House Conservation

Naturetrek’s emergence and evolution have had a proud association with the Alresford area in central Hampshire. So, when the opportunity arose this year to help with the funding of the restoration of the town’s historic Eel House, we were very pleased to assist.

The Eel House, built in the 1820s and spanning the clear and sparkling chalk-stream waters of the River Itchen, is a very rare surviving example of a purpose-built eel-trapping house. The last commercial catch was made in 1980, the trap’s three brick funnels being used nowadays for flow control. However, hereon it is hoped that it may be used to monitor the population of the European Eels in the River Itchen, given that the population of this species has sadly declined dramatically in recent decades.

A small number of Naturetrek staff were pleased to be given a guided tour this week and to help unveil the new plaque. To learn more and to visit the Eel House, please visit the Town Trust's Eel House website.