Scotland Legacy Programme: One Year On
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, 7 July 2025 - One year after the Hydro X Prix brought world-class racing to the banks of the River Nith, the legacy of Extreme E’s Legacy Project with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB), continues to evolve as a transformative environmental project with community at its heart.
The ongoing project, which began in 2023 during Extreme E’s first visit to the region, focuses on restoring critical salmon spawning habitats through riparian reforestation. Last year, the same class of pupils from Kelloholm Primary School who helped launch the initiative returned to the riverbank to plant more native trees – both along the spawning grounds and at the newly established plant nursery, developed thanks to the championship’s support.
The nursery, made possible through funding and collaboration with Extreme E, has enabled the NDSFB to self-sufficiently propagate local seeds into seedlings, which are then replanted along the river’s edge. Beyond its environmental value, the nursery serves as a living classroom for the Board’s education programme and a long-term resource for the local community.
To date, the Board has planted over 3,140 native hardwood trees and installed fencing along riverbanks and riparian zones, creating protective corridors for ecosystems to thrive. These efforts help stabilise the banks, reducing erosion and the risk of salmon egg mortality and protect young trees from grazing livestock. Importantly, the growing canopy casts cooling shade over the river, helping maintain water temperatures vital to salmon survival. Temperatures above 23°C can be fatal to salmon, making this shade cover increasingly critical as climate change impacts freshwater habitats.
The results have already shown powerful ecological benefits. A key outcome of the multi-year programme is a 208% increase in salmon fry per 100m², a strong indicator of improved reproductive success and population recovery in the river.
The project has been independently assessed by EY, the Championship’s Official Sustainability Partner, using their bespoke Outcome Measurement Framework, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This rigorous evaluation approach has helped quantify both the tangible outputs, such as the number of trees planted and the broader environmental outcomes like increased biodiversity and waterway resilience.
Jim Henderson, Fishery Director, Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, said:
“The support from Extreme E has been truly transformative. Our goals were aligned from the offset, to initiate a project which would grow into a lasting environmental project that lasts long after the race has ended, leaving positive legacy. Their investment helped us establish not just a tree nursery, but a living laboratory for the local community, a place where young people can connect with nature, learn about conservation, and be inspired to become future stewards of our environment. It’s a legacy that will continue to shape our river and our community for years to come.”
Julia Wall-Clarke, Director of Communications and Impact, Extreme H, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the Legacy Programme continue to grow and evolve here on the River Nith. What began as a meaningful initiative alongside our Hydro X Prix has become a truly community-led project with long-term environmental impact. Jim and his team deserve huge credit for their vision and commitment in creating a space that not only restores vital habitats but also empowers local people to take ownership of their natural environment. We’ll be watching its progress with pride in the years to come.”
With Extreme E’s transition into Extreme H, the championship’s dedication to leaving a positive legacy in every host region remains unchanged. Looking ahead, the series will continue to embed environmental restoration and community engagement into its globally traversing calendar, using the power of sport to drive progress for people and planet.
