Willow Spiling, Kew, Saturday 2nd March, 2013

Back by popular demand, willow spiling is a traditional method of protecting river banks from erosion. The aim here, is to reduce the impact of the tide and wake from passing boats on the river bank, which threaten to wash away the well-used and popular tow path. The project has been running for several years now, so the live willow posts are now quite well established, although the weaving needs to be replenished and any dead post need to be replaced every year.
There's no better place to be than by the mighty Thames on a mild March morning, and even the sun made an appearance. Thanks everyone for a great morning's work - as ever.

The spiling before cutting, showing the stabilising effect and vegetation establishment.

The lads from Tower House School begin harvesting the willow. 

Tamara and Susan bundle up willow for weaving. 

The team spreads out to work on different sections. 

Newly weaved willow will hold back the waves for another year. 

The view downstream, with the Kew Bridge Steam Museum tower in the far distance. 

Thames wildwood (Martin P.)

Bowsaw art (Martin P.)

Common dog-violet (Viola riviniana) coming into flower right on cue at Kew.

Martin P. took this interesting panorama of the site looking up and downstream.