onionbagblog

So here’s an update on the work currently being undertaken by the Environment Agency along the Wivenhoe Trail.

In one word: muddy.

Actually, it’s not all that bad. A bit of man flu has kept me off the Trail for the past fortnight. The ever-competitive @AnnaJCowen has been cycling along the banks of the Colne each morning, returning with the verdict of:

“It’s a right b****y mess.”

The girl’s sense of reality at least matches her inflated competitive streak.

Saturday morning, and with the man flu bidding farewell (um, beer festival duties in the afternoon) and I gave the Trail a spin. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is passable; it’s even rather enjoyable, if you like getting your bottom rather brown.

The main work that has been carried out so far is centred on where the slip path takes you up towards the University. Essentially the trees have been cleared, along with all the bushes that were growing slightly out of hand.

As previously blogged, the reason given by the Environment Agency for the work is:

“Woody growth, brambles and trees on any part of a seawall can cause structural weakness and can encourage tunnelling from rabbits. This increases the flood risk to people and property.”

“Removing the vegetation makes the embankment more resistant to high tides and wave action. It will also increase the effectiveness of our planned inspections and maintenance.”

It’s a far from a finished job. My understanding after attending the WivSoc Committee meeting last week is that a further top layer of rubble is going to be added. I have been enthused to find that all of the wood chippings from the chopped down trees have also been spread out across the path.

Ferry Marsh meanwhile has had a similar severe style haircut. I’ve not got any pictures (too busy competing against @AnnaJCowen along the Trail) but this really is landscape changing. Not far from past the train station and Rowhedge takes on a completely new perspective.

This may *or may not* be a good thing…