Richard’s Wey, February 2015

Published on: 8 Feb, 2015
Updated on: 9 Mar, 2015

The latest report from Richard Cant, the Stoke lengthman on the River Wey Navigations

January proved to be a very busy month, with our maintenance team carrying out a three week lock stoppage at Stoke Lock.

The plan was to replace the lower lock gates and then spend the rest of the time carrying out minor maintenance work to the rest of the lock.

With limited vehicle access to many of our locks, we have to float the new lock gates to site and lower them into position with a good old fashioned block and tackle.

However, as with any structure where a large proportion is hidden under water, you can’t see what needs doing until the water is drained, and it was found that the concrete cill (which the gates shut against) was also damaged which meant forming and pouring a new one to match the mitre of the gates and then leaving it to cure under water!

My involvement in the actual lock stoppage was limited, and I spent more time asking questions than helping out. Although the need for increased levels of accuracy in water level control, coupled with periods of heavy rainfall, meant that I was kept on my toes operating weirs both day and night.

As well as the heavy rainfall we also experienced periods of strong winds. This can of course cause damage to trees and structures, so it is necessary for me to inspect my length of river shortly after instances of high winds to look for any fallen or damaged trees.

This not only helps to keep the towpath and navigation open to river users, but also to check for anything that may still pose a hazard.

Thankfully this time I only had one small fallen tree that was partially blocking the path, which I soon cleared away with a very sharp hand saw and a plenty of elbow grease.

In between the wind and the rain in January there’s been some lovely (if somewhat cold) dry spells, which has meant that I could finish of the last of my strimming for the winter.

This included cutting the vegetation from the back of the towpath ready for the new growth in the spring, and clearing part of the perched embankment at Stoke to check it for any signs of damage or leaks.

I’ve also been continuing to make the most of my hard working volunteers in the monumental task of cutting back the overhanging branches from the non-towpath side of the navigation.

This is a slow and labour intensive job so I really appreciate their help and know that I wouldn’t be able to get it done without them. Thank you.

Richard Cant, Stoke Lengthsman

Tel: 07786 703 832

Email: richard.cant@nationaltrust.org.uk

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RiverWey