Sea Scouts from Wigton have done a good turn for the environment.
The youngsters lent a hand and worked with West Cumbria Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency, Wigton Town Council, Wildlife for Wigton and a local farmer to protect Wiza Beck.
In recent years, flooding and stock grazing caused serious erosion to the banks of the Wiza Beck, along a popular walking route in Wigton.
In response, Wigton Town Council approached the Environment Agency for advice and support which led to a repair project led by West Cumbria Rivers Trust.
With the landowner’s agreement, the trust arranged for 200 metres of fencing to keep stock away from the Wiza’s banks, reducing erosion from cattle to the river and disturbance to farm animals.
Willow stakes and brash bundles were cut by volunteers organised by the trust and Wildlife for Wigton and installed along the most badly eroded sections, providing natural flood management.
The final stage took place on Saturday, when a group of 27 volunteers from both Wildlife for Wigton and 3rd Wigton Sea Scouts, Cubs and Beavers planted over 400 trees alongside the beck. The species included oaks, alders, willow, field maple, aspen, bird cherry, hazel, rowan, holly, hawthorn, blackthorn and crab apple.
Nick Robson, one of the project’s organisers, said: “This project will bring big benefits to Wigton over future years and shows what can be achieved when local groups and national organisations work together to bring about changes for wildlife and the environment”.
The restoration of Wiza Beck joins other recent major environment projects carried out by Wigton Town Council, including mass tree planting, a new community orchard, and the creation of wildlife-friendly Throstle Park.
