Trout beck zone - Lotic Ecosystem

This is larger and more constant than the head stream. The greater volume of torrential water carves channels into exposed rock floor (bed rock). Compared to the head stream the water is deeper and current more rapid and is capable of carrying matter in suspension. A typical trout beck has a steep slope gradient and its sides are lined with coarse pebbles and rough boulders. It deposits grit in the sheltered part of the course where flow is less.

There is little plant growth in the trout beck zone due to the presence of strong current and rocky conditions here. The water in this zone is oxygen-saturated and cold. Areas of fast water alternate with irregular pools. The fish occurring here are the powerful swimming brown trout, the miller's thumb and the stone loach.