The river is popular with anglers

A project to protect the A7, near Longtown, from erosion of the River Esk was delayed to fit in with the breeding seasons of river wildlife.

A new embankment of stones - some weighing up to four tonnes - was built on a special membrane to strengthen the bank and prevent further erosion.

The work was timed round the breeding habits of sand martins that nest in the sandy bank and salmon that spawn in the gravel of the riverbed.

And now the completed work has resulted in a happy spin-off for anglers using the river.

Rescue package

Problems arose when an 80-metre section of the Esk began to erode, threatening the adjacent trunk road.

A �320,000 rescue package was put together by the Highways Agency covering the affected section as well as a large area on each side - totalling 375 metres - to prevent future erosion.

During the first phase of work the sand martins returned from their winter quarters in Africa to nest in the riverbank.

The work has created a deep channel at the base of the wall that attracts passing salmon and sea trout Bob Clark

Highways Agency project manager Bob Clark said: "They were not in the least deterred by the plastic sheeting that covered the eroding bank.

"They simply crossed to the opposite side and have happily built their nests and reared their young, entirely oblivious of the work going on around them.

"However, we delayed the second phase of the work until mid-May when salmon eggs laid in the gravel of the riverbed had hatched and the parr had moved on."

Erosion of the River Esk bank at this point began some time ago, and was tackled by temporary works.

But the rate of wear has increased in recent years, and in October 2002, a four-metre section of the bank was washed away, leading to the new work.

Mr Clark added: "There is also a happy spin-off - to the delight of anglers using this famous river, the work has created a deep channel at the base of the wall that attracts passing salmon and sea trout."