Throughout much of the River South Esk in Glen Clova, the river habitat quality is poor for juvenile salmonids.  The river substrates are dominated by sand, which does not provide in-stream cover for fish or invertebrates. In addition, a lack of riparian trees in the area means the river is also poorly shaded.

With funding from the Cairngorm National Park Authority and support and materials from Clova Estate, shade and cover for fish and invertebrates were provided by inserting trees, horizontally against the bank of a deep pool.