Christleton Pit Group

The first phase of the work planned for autumn has been completed, and the bank and fishing area on the Littleton side cleared ready for the installation of the new coir rolls and fishing platform. Five sessions were held, and a new skill of scything learned by several members. David Booth & Malcolm Pratt were both extremely adept at using the scythes, and a huge quantity of vegetation was removed. Several large willows were cut right back and many smaller ones removed completely. It seems that the roots of the willows have become embedded in the older bank of coir rolls and have spread through them, often emerging alongside the supporting posts. We have drilled several of the thicker trunks, and tried to suppress their growth with” deep root”

Several of the old fishing platforms have been dismantled, and where possible the timber posts & framework re cycled. One on the south side has been left intact as it was in good order, but can no longer be reached. We cut off several of the supporting posts at water level to later re use, and help stabilise the coir rolls. Almost all the vegetation removed has been placed in deep hollows under the bushes to rot, provide a natural barrier, and prevent access to the old fishing points.