Willow Spiling at Missies Farm, Laverton: 17-03-2015

Our project for the day was carried out in conjunction with an event organised by “Yorventure” and the AONB to demonstrate to local landowners how to combat river bank side erosion.

The sun shone and eighteen NCVs joined Paul, the two students and their tutor for detailed briefings at Missies Farm, Laverton (owned by David Verity). There were numerous tasks to be done starting with coppicing willow and alder along the banks of the Laver. Willow bundles were then created, held together with baling twine. These bundles were to be used later for one method of erosion prevention.

Bundles of fun were had by all.

Meanwhile poles were being driven into the river bed around an oxbow ready for spiling. 

The state of the river bank at the start of the day.

 

Jan and Ros E. brave the icy waters - and 

the threat of getting driven into the bank.

The Boss volunteered to hold the poles as they were driven in, but stepping into a particularly deep hole we lost her! Jan, ever the hero, rescued her without any serious damage apart from pride - no photograph, the camera was in the boss’s pocket.

Ros's version of the tale.....

It was when the final post was being placed into position that things went a little awry. Jan carefully moved it into place down the bank and we both watched as it slowly sank beneath the water. "I'll rescue it - I have waders on," I said confidently, stepping into the river again. However - I failed to realise that if an 8' post can disappear then so can a 5' 4" NCV. The available bank had disappeared at this point and I nearly did too. My thigh high waders were immediately full to the brim as the water reached the bottom of my fleece and Jan had to hang on to me for dear life. Luckily 'Chris the digger' came to the rescue and helped to pull me out - no mean feat!! Luckily I had a pair of waterproof trousers in the car so was able to change into those for the rest of the day. I made sure that the second pair of waders I chose were the kind that came up to my chest! Jan / Chris - I am forever in your debt.

Once the poles were in volunteers donned waders and started to weave the willow saplings around the poles. The willow takes root and forms a solid hedge that prevents further erosion.

Tom feels that his waders may be a little on the large size.

Once the posts are in place Ros K. and Phil get weaving....

....as does everyone else.

 

NCVs on the higher level feed those below with the willow wands.

The finished hurdling looks very impressive.

After wiring the top 'Chris the digger'  finishes the job by squashing soil into place.

In the afternoon we were joined by experts Dan from the Dales River trust, Marian our AONB Farm Conservation adviser and the invited landowners who had arrived after their lecture at the Kirby Malzeard Mechanics Institute.

The experts, with our help, showed how by using the willow bundles, held in place by stakes and wire, erosion could be halted.

A quick and easy way to save the river bank..

Alternatively a coppiced branch can be pinned with a metal stake and wire to divert the river flow, giving a wild life habitat. Eventually the bank starts to build up again as sediment is deposited in the slow water behind the branches.

Paul coppices a tree .....

..... which is wired alongside the bank.

Altogether a most enjoyable and informative day rounded off by trays full of quiche, pork pies, sandwiches and cakes provided by the “Yorventure” funding.

Terry

A final afternoon tea picnic is enjoyed by the gang.