WORKS UPDATE 19.9.24 

Following the clearance of the majority of the vegetation off the slipped slope, works have been progressing on one of the first elements of the remediation project; to install the brick toe at the bottom of the slope. This is currently 5m in width but once keyed in will extend 5m into the water and be about 2m in height. This feature both adds weight and provides initial stability and very important basal drainage to the slope repairs.

The toe will be partly covered with clay and ultimately landscaped but the outer face will remain bare for drainage purposes. The slope itself will be re-contoured partially this year and then again during drier months next year, with additional clay. The wetter Autumnal, Winter and early Spring weather will be avoided.

The thick vegetation to the left of the track to the reserve extension (including the large willow tree) has now been removed to facilitate a cut through to the brickworks, through which the clay will be brought and placed onto the slip.

An edge protection bund has been installed going down to the hide on the left, to prevent dumpers accidentally ending up in the pond.

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The reserve is looking very different now, having developed it for the past 25 years. However, the works are unavoidable and all measures are being undertaken to limit the impact on the ecology. Forterra will work with Phillip Parker Associates Ltd to develop a re-vegetation strategy as the works advance.

We have a number of ideas on how the reserve can be enhanced as the works are completed. We will let members know what is planned as these are developed.

The intention is hopefully re-open access on a temporary basis from late October through to the spring.

Panorama of the reserve