Riff Raff Diary for June 2012

Published on: 17 Jul, 2012
Updated on: 17 Jul, 2012

Riff Raff Cottage and Weir

Riverbank tales from our local St Catherine’s Lengthsman/Weirkeeper

by Robert Craig

It will come as no surprise with the wet weather continuing through June that the main priority for me has been the operation of the weirs. This has naturally meant that the management of the vegetation on the towpath has been affected resulting in longer growth than usual.

The wet ground and high winds at times also resulted in more trees to clear. One alder came down just upstream of Stonebridge Wharf temporally blocking the navigation, also a stand of three smaller alders came down just above the Riff Raff weir taking the phone cable with them.

Indian or Himalayan Balsam

Any strimming and mowing has been carried out during the odd dry spells, the lighter of the showers and between weir movements making planning difficult.

At the beginning of June with the help of the River Wey Conservation Volunteers I was able to pull up quite a large area of the invasive Himalayan Balsam in Shalford Nature Reserve, and as usual their help was much appreciated having so much balsam to deal with.

During August and September work to rebuild the Riff Raff weir and motorise the gates will be taking place, the footpath at the front of the cottage will also be improved at this time. Whilst the work is going on there will be a temporary bridge in place for access across the weir.

See you by the river.