SEVERAL readers have contacted me following my article last week about the removal of trees and the proposed work to be carried out by the Environment Agency along the stretch of riverbank between Weybridge Ladies’ Rowing Club and D’Oyley Carte Island.
Firstly, I heard from Mrs Rosemary Bentley from Englefield Green who takes issue with the assertion that the only way to get rid of the diseased horse chestnut trees was to remove them.
Rosemary says: “There are two treatments available to get rid of leaf miner moths and bleeding canker and it was entirely unnecessary to cut these trees down.”
Rosemary goes on to explain that she believes there is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent made from garlic extract which may be injected into the trees and that cures the bleeding canker. She also tells me that researchers at Bristol University have discovered that there is a parasitic wasp that eats leaf miner moths.
I’ll pass those comments on to the EA and see what they have to say, Rosemary.
A number of you have expressed concern at the idea of installing a whole row of new boat moorings on that stretch of the river – so I can clarify that that is not the Agency’s plan.
The EA’s regional waterways engineer Paul Power tells me: “We have taken on board the concerns of the owners of D’Oyley Carte Island and representatives of Weybridge Sailing Club and we will not be developing moorings close to their areas of operation.
“We are refurbishing, updating and improving access – including disabled access – to the existing moorings between an area known as the Beech and the ladies’ rowing club.
“We will also be improving access to the mooring point upstream of the rowing club which includes a wheelchair access ramp right down to the water’s edge.”
THE rain has been almost incessant of late and the net result is that the Thames is flowing extremely quickly. Following my earlier comments about the foolishness of people taking boats out in these conditions, I have one word of advice – DON’T.
I’D LIKE to add my support to the announcement made by Esher and Walton MP Ian Taylor about the plan for a Thames Learning Group designed to help adults and children alike discover more about our beautiful river.
The group involves over 60 organisations and covers the complete length of the Thames. Its aim is to provide resources for schools and adult learners access the river and learn more about its ecology, history, commercial and recreational value. It’s a splendid idea.
If you’d like to find out more contact the River Thames Alliance Learning Partnership by phone on 01491 415 605 or www.visitthames.co.uk/learning.