Waveney Willows

The willow trees growing on the banks of the River Waveney are a very attractive feature. In 1996 we surveyed all the bankside trees from the source of the Waveney at Redgrave down to Bungay.


We found many old willows that were collapsing and dying because they were top heavy like this one:

It is possible to prolong the life of willows and other trees by pollarding them. We do this by cutting the tree about 10 feet above the ground and allowing it to grow back. Cutting at this height means that cattle cannot nibble the new growth and kill the tree. Once a pollard is formed it can be cut again every 10 to 15 years so that it never becomes top-heavy. Pollarding continually rejuvenates the tree so it will live for much longer. Here is a pollard with a years' growth:

Our 1996 survey discovered over 250 pollards along the Upper Waveney. Several had not been pollarded for a long time and needed swift management if they were to survive. We re-pollarded the most urgent cases with funding from the Environment Agency, Here are two old but healthy willow pollards:

This year we are carrying out another survey to see how the willows are faring. Old willow pollards are important habitats for our wildlife. The trunks are usually hollow so they make good nesting places for Barn Owls - and Egyptian Geese that are spreading along the Valley. They also make good summer roosting sites for bats.

A Trip Down the Waveney

The source of the River Waveney lies in the vast reed and sedge-beds on Redgrave & Lopham Fen National Nature Reserve.

The muddy ditch soon becomes a slow-flowing river heading eastwards towards the North Sea. It passes the edge of Wortham Ling, an unexpected area of heathland that is a popular walking site for people living in the nearby town of Diss.

Beyond Diss the river widens and is suitable for canoeing. Waterplants, including lilies are abundant and this stretch of the river is very attractive in the summer months.

The river is very important for wildlife. Otters can be found along the full length of the river and water voles are making a comeback now that escaped mink are being controlled. Kingfishers are common but not often seen - mute swans are far more showy.

On its way to the sea the Waveney flows past the attractive market towns of Harleston, Bungay and Beccles. For much of the year it is a placid river but after heavy rain in the winter it will burst its banks and spread out on the floodplain.

After 70 miles or so the Waveney finally reaches the sea at Great Yarmouth. You can follow the full length of the river by walking the Angles Way long-distance footpath.

More next week.

The Scole Dragon

We manage a small picnic site by the River Waveney just off the A140/A143 roundabout at Scole. The old Roman road to Norwich runs by the site and it is on the Dragon ley-line. About eight years ago we commissioned a sculpture to mark the ley-line and the Scole Dragon has become a local celebrity.

As well as the Dragon there are surfaced footpaths down to the river where there are wheelchair accessible fishing platforms, benches and picnic tables. Otters have been seen in the river from the platforms and kingfishers can be spotted most days. The river is also used by groups of youngsters for canoeing practice during the summer months.

Our volunteers help keep the picnic site in good condition and over the last few years the wildlife has increased. This year Bee Orchids appeared for the first time and there are many colourful waterside plants in the summer months. At this time of year there is a good crop of berries for the birds to feed on.

And finally the answers to last weeks' butterfly anagrams quiz:

TINGLER...............RINGLET

COKE CAP..............PEACOCK

BULLY HOLE...........HOLLY BLUE
MINOR BEST...........BRIMSTONE
WE ARE LIGHT........LARGE WHITE
I PRANG TOE...........ORANGETIP
LARDER MAID..........RED ADMIRAL
A WOMB WONDER.....MEADOW BROWN
WEE DOLLY COULD....CLOUDED YELLOW
A TINY PADDLE.........PAINTED LADY

Well the weather has turned colder and snow is forecast for this weekend so it looks as if winter has arrived.