The Environment Agency is smoothing the way for the amorous salmon of the Itchen.

Agency staff will this week finish work just above Wharf Mill, Winchester, where they have been damming a short stretch of the river.

This will help the fish get through the city to the upper reaches of the river, where they can spawn. Once completed, the agency will also make changes to the Durngate Hatches, another obstacle to migrating salmon.

Historically, water power was used to drive numerous mills on the river. Many still exist and continue to hinder salmon trying to migrate upstream.

The work will reduce the difference in water levels above and below the structures at Wharf Mill and Durngate Hatches and salmon will find it easier to get through.

It's all part of the agency's Salmon Action Plan for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, which aims to enable salmon populations to return to self-sustaining levels.

Under the scheme, the Environment Agency is also improving salmon habitat, undertaking anti-poaching patrols, and carrying out research.

The dam project has been undertaken with the co-operation of Hampshire Wildlife Trust and Winchester City Council.