Major works on the Coln, Williamstrip

Approach to the work site by the river Coln marked by the 2  trees

Trees cleared and stones laid on far bank of Coln, Williamstrip

The aim for the day, Revetment example on Sherborne brook

Monday was spent with the Wildlife Trust on river bank revetment work similar to Hyde Mill {river Dikler}, Greystones {river Eye}, and Sherborne {Sherborne brook}, but on a much larger scale. The location was on the Williamstrip estate on the river Coln. Over the years cattle and sheep have caused  a significant erosion of the river bank of the Coln and damaged the wildlife habitat for especially our old friend the water vole. This particular piece of work was scheduled over 2 weeks, involving a large number of WT volunteers, WT staff {including help from the Stroud 'arm'} and effort from the EA. Prior to this large endeavour work had already removed some riverside trees and laid large stones in the river to mark what was the original bank. As well as the revetment work some 'kick sampling' was to be carried out to reveal the state of the insect/waterlife which was believed to be at a low level inspite of reasonable quality water. The good news was there were signs that water voles were in the area even before the planned habitat improvements.

2 lines of posts positioned riverside of stones,  fascines in-between 

Other end B of revetment, inner post line established

Revetment end A, base layer fascines in place 

Fascines interlocked, all action along the river

Williamstrip our green and pleasant land!

All is tranquil on the river, all action upstream though

So lots of volunteers and WT staff, equipment {including my favourite sledgehammers}, posts, fascines and biscuits. Although wellingtons allowed some work to be done from the bank, waders were the order of the day and lots of effort banging in the posts/stakes which would provide the framework to support the 2 layers of fascines which would enable the new river bank to form along its original course. The key tips for forming a temporary bank were to keep the 2 lines of posts close enough together to secure the fascines properly and secondly to ensure the fascines were suitably interlocked for stability. With the weather set fair for the day and the days to follow its looking good for achieving the ambitious objectives of this particular project.

Who lives in a place like this?

First stage: with stakes embedded and facines in place

Completed with 'dog' access, Andy fine tuning

Monday was spent with the Wildlife Trust at Hyde Mill, Nether Swell. Was pleased to get the opportunity, so soon,  to practice the Plant id work carried out with Richard 2 weeks ago.  Initially however the challenge of river bank revetment/restoration work beckoned on the river Dikler near Hyde Mill. This was to be a similar construction approach carried out at Greystones where I helped last year in the creation of the 'facines' a key component of the bank revetment work. Lots of volunteers turned out today for this work plus the additional  task at Slaughter farm to finish off the kingfisher box. Nick, Mandy and Paul volunteered for the Slaughter farm task but more on that later! Leading the day required Will, Richard and John who gave us all a chance at 2 out of the 3 tasks on offer.  Of the volunteers, at Hyde Mill, Will led one team on the 'plant Id' in the adjacent meadow {followed by the Hyde Mill house garden/meadow} whilst I was with the team Richard led, to start the revetment work. Its interesting to know in this case that the bank erosion has been mainly caused by enthusiastic dogs who {with owners} frequently visit this part of the Dikler, as it lies on 'several' main walking routes in this picturesque area of the Cotswolds.  In order that the work is effective in restoring the river bank and erosion isn't moved further down the river a dog access was added to the construction 'blueprint'.  Had a lot of fun honing my sledgehammer skills on the stakes which would secure the facines and managed to avoid injuring anyone especially Richard!. Everyone had a role to play and with waders we all managed to cool off in the cool waters of the Dikler, which had a healthy population of small fish and perch. At lunch time John and the Slaughter farm team joined us with 'Mandy and Paul' looking pretty muddy & wet having misjudged their route in the deep waters of the Windrush where the Kingfisher box was sited.

One last check, Paul showing off his muddy morning exploits

I spent the remainder of the day with the 'plant ID' team, which included Nick, Mandy and Paul, with Will leading whilst John led the remaining volunteers in completing the revetment work.  The owner of Hyde Mill and surrounding estate, Hugh Tollemache, who also is on the Wildlife trust board, has certainly embraced  water meadows conservation {see here if u want ure own meadow}. He has recorded approaching 150 plant species which includes several types of orchid. Needless to say we identified a good deal less on the day but it was certainly a step up in diversity from any meadow I have visited recently.

Our 'host' with a Soay lamb to be reunited with the herd

Bee Orchid in Hyde Mill garden meadow

Pyramid Orchid in Coronation meadow

Scabious, popular with butterflies and moths