Mucking About in the River

The Friends of Maidenhead Waterways look after the rivers and streams that run into the town centre, making them accessible for everyone to enjoy, whether by boat, on foot or by bicycle, and encouraging wildlife. Clara, Sol and Sheila joined a work party carrying out annual reed-clearance of White Brook, a stream running across Widbrook Common. We joined 7 other volunteers, and after a safety briefing from the team leader Alasdair, we donned waders and wellies and set off across the common, armed with all the equipment we would need. Sol and Clara braved the water, in up to their waists in their waders, pulling up the reeds choking the stream, and creating a clear channel through which the water could flow freely. Sheila was on the bank, standing on the all-important plastic pallet pontoons, pulling the severed reeds up onto the bank, allowing any invertebrates to escape back into the water. It proved to be hard work for everyone, being a particularly good workout for our cores and upper bodies. We loved every minute of it, and it was very satisfying to see the channel opening up as we worked. All of our senses were buzzing - the sight of the beautiful landscape and wildlife, the feel of the sunshine and the water, the slip, slap, sloshing sound of the reeds being pulled up and thrown onto the bank, the taste of the river water if you opened your mouth just at the wrong time, and the smell of the mud dredged up from the bottom. A quick coffee and biscuit break, and we were back to work again. Alasdair was pleased with our progress, but all too soon the session came to an end. We made our way back back to our cars and bike, rather muddier than when we set out, but keen to help out again. Extra kudos to Sol for fitting in a litter-pick on the way back to her car.