Willow Spiling Update

Earlier this year with the help of some willing volunteers we started a project to restore part of the bank of Risedale Beck using willow spiling. Willow spiling is a traditional technique used for stabilising river banks which involves driving willow stakes into the stream bed, weaving willow withies between the stakes and then filling in behind to create a new stabilised river bank.

It is always touch and go whether a project will be successful as the willow needs to grow in its new home before the water has a chance to wash it away.  We are pleased to report that 100% of the stakes have now managed to sprout new growth.

A good percentage of the withies are also growing.

We are really pleased with the progress of this project and will hopefully be completing another 30 meter section this winter. Thank you so much to everyone who was involved.