The Whissendine Environment Group have considered the idea of planting willow trees on the banks to reduce the wet land and flooding on the banks area. Whilst willow trees would take up a lot of water, we would not be in favour of the suggested planting for the following reasons:-
- The area that gets wet, west of the stream near Cow Lane, is a valuable area of wetland that increases biodiversity and a natural area for excess water. Willow trees would take this away and could actually create a muddy area underneath. Whereas currently, when the excess water naturally drains slowly the grass is quick to recover, Willows would cause shade and reduce ground cover.
- Having open areas where sunlight can get to the stream, again, is important to its health and the inhabitants of the stream, too much shadow would reduce sunlight and hence potential for photosynthesis. The loss of plant life would have a negative effect on the aquatic ecosystem and in turn on those birds and small mammals that rely on it
- Allowing the brook to naturally meander slows the water flow down and increases the capacity of the stream thus reducing flooding.
Statement of expert advice for Whissendine Parish Council 8.2.16