Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
Yes we where told we have one of the finest chalk streams in Kent some 2 or 3 years ago by the Environment Agency.
The river was at the time quite a picture and now we have this.
Weeded up to the gunnel's the river hardly flows much any more, more and more litter collects and if it wasn't for our volunteers the river would be much worse.
Do you think there is to much greenery?
Who would like to see the old River watch come back and sort it out properly?
I'll bet this thread gets about 4 to 10 replies if that.
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
Funny but it looks great to me other than the rubbish of course
All that vegetation provides hiding and nesting places for the water fowl and also homes to many of the insect species they feed on
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
River Watch should never have gone away! It must be heartbreaking for you to see how those crystal clear stretches of the river are now choked with weed and rubbish. When you travel to other areas in Kent and see how beautifully the rivers, lakes and ponds are managed the question has to be asked"how do they do it " and more importantly, why can't we expect the same? Maybe the Councillors whose Wards the river meanders thro' should be doing more to find out.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i looked over the bridge near halfords yesterday and was quite taken aback by the vegetation, fairly inaccessible for volunteers was my immediate reaction.
they were busy on other stretches of the river in town yesterday but it does seem clear that daily work is required to keep our river up to scratch.
clear to that it won't happen with all the funding cuts.
Guest 756- Registered: 6 Jun 2012
- Posts: 727
Ian, in the past I think some of the problem with vegetation (near Townwall section of the river) was Knot weed but that doesn't look like it's the case in your picture?
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
yes its getting into a terrable state,needs a good weeding.
Guest 719- Registered: 11 Jul 2011
- Posts: 443
Yorkshire Born And Yorkshire Bred
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,895
Yes Ian much too much vegetation, surely there is not nearly enough room for the fish.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Sorry to be dim what was River Watch and why did it stop ?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i bet this chap would tell us to keep our noses out and leave things as they are.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
river watch started about 10 years ago sarah, led by ian and his team of volunteers.
then the politicians stepped in formed a focus group and wrecked the whole concept.
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
The reeds have provided a healthy environment for endangered eels and we now have water voles living at Barton Path.
Thank you Howard
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
The Dour was granted Main River status which meant it's management was handed from the local volunteers to the Environment Agency.
Thanks Phil
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
there was a bit in between if i remember when the town council got involved, the environment agency getting involved was a result of this.
i am ready to be corrected if i have got it wrong.
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
Slightly related to this thread, the Barton Pathway wall painting along the river has two big painted words on it, in black, at the top, and the paint also dripped down.
As for the river vegetation, it looks natural, apart from the junk caught up in it.
Perhaps it could be partly weeded in some areas.
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
The mural was coated with a special finish that means that graffiti can be easily removed - thanks for alerting everyone that it is there
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Some vegetation is always necessary for bio-diversity, but too much chokes the river and I believe this is what is happening along the Dour.
I have often asked the E.A. to clear "some" of the weeds/vegetation, but no joy.
Looks like it is being turned into a trickle of a stream, rather than a river.
I've still got one of those River-Watch t-shirts and wear it quite often in the garden.
Roger
PS: a bit more than 4 to 10 replies Ian.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
now double your top estimate now ian.
