Despite the awful weather and the high river volunteers from local group
"Diggin' the Trees"
supported local fishermen and the Woodland Trust to help plant trees along the bank of
the Eden at Beaumont on Sunday. Diggin the Trees was established 4 years ago by
local lady Emma to help out with environmental schemes in Cumbria - they have now planted
10,000's of thousands of trees across the county.
As any river angler will know the later season this year has been blighted by
the continued fluctuation in flow in the Eden and other rivers following a summer
and autumn of rain. High flows and brown water have made fishing almost
impossible on many days.
The increased rain this year and changeable weather patterns of recent years have
lead to an increase in bank erosion and an increase in sediments and soils getting into
water courses.
Sedimentation higher up in the river system can lead to poor spawning conditions
and fewer fish. Lower down river erosion can completely change cherished pools.
So, with advice from local experts including the Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers
volunteers have been out planting trees in the catchment to help reduce erosion hotspots
and to capture soils and sediments before they reach the river. We cannot do anything about
the rain but well placed tree planting can help stop the river degrading. Tree roots and the
shade from boughs is also beneficial to fish by providing refuge areas away from predators.
The group on Sunday planted some 900 trees and, apparently enjoyed themselves....
and the river at Beaumont may have brighter future thanks to the time and
effort of local volunteers.
(Words-Pete Leeson)
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk