The weather this year has caused the extensive growth of weed in the streams feeding into the upper courses of the River Itchen.
The one danger this makes is when a block of weed detaches from the roots and passes downstream until it is baulked by a bridge. At this point it will form a blockage and flooding will take place, usually within 30 minutes. There are a number of bridges in Cheriton so these have to be protected.
Because of the fact that there are two main streams feeding the village water courses this effort was divided between the Kilmeston / Bramdean stream alongside the B3046 and the Cheriton stream from the pond at Malthouse Farm upstream of the village green.
Kilmeston / Bramdean Stream
By removing weed carefully, channels open up to allow the stream to flow effectively.
Discussing what to leave & what to remove.
Pulling out the weed.
Opening up the Channels.
The finished product.
Cheriton Stream
Clearing to the banks.
Weed build up on the bank.
The first section complete.
