Willow Spiling at Azerley: 9-04-2013

Today nine conservation volunteers – including “new boy” Terry - met Paul at Azerley, near Kirkby Malzeard, to do a day of “willow spiling.” No, we didn’t know what it was either, but we knew it was something to do with the River Laver. There was a fair walk to get to the work site from the parking area before the true action could begin, but luckily the equipment had already been deposited in situ and did not need carrying.

Willow in place and ready to spile.

We had a tutor for the day - Daniel Turner, project officer from the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust. He was very helpful in explaining everything and had provided the willow in large quantities.The basic aim was to strengthen the river banks to prevent further erosion. Willow is used for this task because if you push a live willow branch into the ground (thick end down!) amazingly it starts to grow again.

Firstly we needed fence posts erecting along the edge of the river and this was done by a nifty post knocker attached to a digger.

Post knocker in action.

Secondly, waders were needed by most people who had to stand in the water near the bank and weave the willow branches in and out of the posts to make a solid fence, remembering to push some pieces into the bank before weaving. At the same time, those who did not fancy paddling had to keep providing new piles of willow for the weavers. “Some more long pieces needed here, please” was a frequent request.

Chris G. demonstrates how not to
wear chest waders. Or is it a giant who
has had his middle section removed?!

The wader clad NCVs lower themselves
 into the river and make their way
along the bank to start spiling.

Angela feeds the willow hungry spilers
with a constant stream of willow wands.

Within a short time a very professional
looking fence started to take shape.

NCVs brave the swirling depths.

Thirdly someone stood on the fence to squash it down a bit and when it had reached the necessary height, a length of wire was woven through to secure the top from damage.

Chris S. stands on top of the
willow fence to force the willow
 wands into a solid hurdle.

Finally the digger took the edge off the top of the bank behind the fence and squashed the loose soil down so there were no gaps left. This could have resulted in a big mess without the skill of our digger driver.

Final touches being added - some spare willow
wands were inserted vertically in the soil.

Part way through the morning the gamekeeper/forester for the Azerley estate, Kevin Birch, came to join us and, with everyone chipping in, we completed everything just after lunch for an early finish.

The finished product! (See update below)

Were we disappointed that nobody fell in? Maybe.

Thanks Dan and Kevin for an enjoyable task, for your cheerful appreciation and for new skills learned. It will be good if in a few months time, we can see the willow regenerating and holding the bank firm. For anyone interested in more willow spiling, Dan’s email address is dan.ydrt@yahoo.co.uk

Angela

Editor's note - 1/07/13 - I have just been sent the photograph below showing the river bank just 3 months later. It is amazing how the willow wands have taken root and grown....