Environment Tree management

The Basingstoke Canal is noted for being one of the most tree-lined in the country. Although this is one of its most attractive features, it is also one of its problems.     The unchecked growth of trees can lead to roots invading the canal banks thus weakening them. In the event of a tree falling, whether from natural aging or being blown down by adverse weather, there is a potential danger of a breach occurring in the bank which could involve a loss of water which in turn could cause damage to nearby property. Another problem is that, as an official notice states: "Since the restoration and dredging of this part of the canal in the 1970s, the tree growth on the banks has been largely forgotten about. "The current situation along the entire canal, is that the unchecked tree growth has now grown to a size where it is causing great problems by over shading the canal banks. This in turn severely restricts the growth of the waterside vegetation, which is so important for preventing erosion and maintaining a rich biodiversity". Read the full text of the notice.     A stretch below Pondtail Bridge which has been cleared on the northern bank.     There has also been some bank clearance on the opposite side (southern) bank.

EELMOOR Further upstream at Eelmoor Flash the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began clearing at the end of the Farnborough runway.     Although this occurred in 2001 it still looked bleak in April 2002. The end of the runway is at extreme right.     Eelmoor Flash, once a secluded nature reserve, is now bounded by a wasteland.

SEE ALSO - Tree Management? Survey of the canal

Below Eelmoor Bridge the canal banks have been cleared on both sides.     [photos:       Arthur Dungate]     Over the passage of time the vegetation will re-grow and the land will become green again. But until that happens it has to be admitted that the scene is something of an eyesore, as one observer has written.     [Read published letter]   BACK

Last updated April 2002