13th July 2020

The spiling and the seeded slopes are looking healthy. The spiling has trapped river debris and protected the fields and damage to the bank has been prevented. The spiling is actually accreting material and doing a good self-build job. Next post will be about coppicing as we're getting close to its fourth season.

19th February 2020 post flood

After the two storms, Ciara and Dennis during which the level of the Aire rose to 2.62 and then 2.26, logs and other large debris were washed onto the spiling. The willow growth seems to have been flattened but has stopped the debris' progress towards the bridge. To add to that, there is no visible scouring and although it has clearly taken some huge forces, the 50m of basketwork reamins intact and secure. Awesome.

22nd August 2019

And here we are in summer 2019. Erosion protection, new habitat, an improved corridor for wildlife along the Aire and some more trees that will store carbon. 2020 will be the year to cut it so look forward to more posts next coppicing season.

21st October 2018 A year on

Nearly a year on from planting. The planting and new bank shape have survived flood and severe drought. The leaves are ready to drop and during low water, we will be able to inspect the stream side.

16th August 2018

Late August and the bank is greening up nicely. There's been a drought and watering by hand with river water has been hard work but now the rain has arrived, it feels worth it. Next job is to pick out the Himalayan balsam.

8th July 2018

Even during a dry spell lasting 8 weeks so far, the spiling is doing well, with thick growth even at the base. The gentle grassy slope is struggling and with new planting of native riverbank flowers, it is a struggle to keep it alive with watering by hand from the river main flow. The stream bed is dry.

20th May 2018

The willow is growing! Fresh shoots and leaves and the banks are covering over too. Brilliant.

20th April 2018

The Forest of Bradford men (Ian, Matt and Colin) are extending the spiling downstream by 5m to make a smoother tie in to the line of the bank. Where the spiling formerly ended, the current was washing away material from behind it.

10th April 2018

After a very wet winter, snow and high water levels, the spiling is sprouting shoots.

9th March 2018

Spring, and the spiling has survived high flows. Here are Environment Agency staff having a look. The bottom curve which takes the brunt of the river's energy, initially suffered some scouring but now is accumulating material including large pebbles. Also, it's nice to see the bare earth beginning to green over.

Water safety training for the work force

Water awareness training for the chaps at Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club's grade 2 rapids. Rescue 3 provided the expertise for the lads who works close to and often in moving water.

4th January 2018

High winter river levels bring debris floating downstream. The spiling is collecting debris and where grass is growing (already) the soil has stayed in place. One area that takes the most pressure has caught debris but behind, top-soil is being washed away. This is a problem that needs addressing.

10th November 2017

Bradford Environmental Education Service plant more young trees to stabilise the bank and provide habitat. These trees willl eventually act as a barrier to the large logs - whole trees in fact - which are brought downstream when the river is in flood. In recent years whole trees have lodged on the bridge. Now, they might not get that far.