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.