THE Nundle community is doing its bit to rid the Peel River of carp this weekend with its inaugural Nundle to Chaffey Dam Carp Muster.

Organised by the Nundle Fishing Club and Upper Peel Landcare, the muster welcomes everyone, with more than $3000 prize money and other prizes up for the hooking.

It’s also an important educational activity as the groups demonstrate firsthand what damage this pest is doing to the river and its banks as well as the habitat of other species including platypus and the Booroolong frog.

Upper Peel Landcare publicity officer Kerrie Fearby said they were hopeful it would become an annual event.

The group’s secretary Karlee Burgess said, in catching the carp, they were getting them out of the river, but it was also a way to educate people about them and the general river system.

Interest in the inaugural muster is growing with many fishers showing interest in entering with junior and senior sections in each category.

The local Landcare group has been working along the river removing woody weeds and replacing them with suitable native species to improve bird and fish habitat. 

Now they are hoping to see a reduction in the number of carp in the river which should also assist the endangered Booroolong frog with many carp over 1.5 metres seen regularly. 

As part of the event a children’s competition will be held and information has been sent to all Tamworth and surrounding schools. 

There will be colouring in, story writing on an ecological theme, a photo competition and poster design. 

All entries will be on display at the club over the weekend of the Muster. 

Children’s activities will be running on the Sunday.

Fishers need to register from 8am at the Nundle Sport and Recreation Club to enter and weigh-ins will be available all day both days.