07/03/2024
Packhorse Bridge News for the Spring
We are still experiencing one of the wettest periods I can ever remember and almost every time I have been able to visit the island, it has been virtually under water. This is, of course, a natural happening and not something that should concern us. What it has done is scour and clean both the waterways and the island.
One effect it has had is further erosion to the banks adjacent to the weir which controls the water flowing under the Packhorse Bridge. This has been a concern for some time with ongoing deterioration of this weir and I hope we may have some news regarding the replacement of the weir later in the year.
On the island in the last year we have lost some vegetation, and while most of this dead wood has been cleared, I will continue to tidy up what is left once the weather improves. One of the rails on the bridge is broken and will be replaced as soon as time and funds allow. Several people have reported that the gate will no longer close and this is because the wood has become swollen with the wet weather. I have left this for the moment, as this Winter has been exceptionally wet and I don't want to make an adjustment to the gate now, only to find that it doesn't fit when it eventually dries out. We are aware of the problem and will adjust the gate if necessary. The Talking Bench has lost its voice over the Winter, but again, this is in hand and I hope it will soon be talking to us again, possibly with new information to tell us.
The Winter has cleaned the whole island without any real damage and the daffodils are, as usual, one of the first things to show us that Spring is coming. If you are able to visit the island at the moment, you will see everything sprouting with new life all around.
Finally, I look forward to having the help and assistance of our volunteers, without whom, it would be impossible to maintain the bridge and island for us all to enjoy. If anyone feels that they could help with the island maintenance or assistance with managing the Society, then please email me.
Hoping to see some of you down at the island as the weather improves.
