‘Where is the river?’ is a question often asked by visitors to Castle Green in recent years. Now, thanks to a joint venture between Hereford Cathedral School and the Friends of Castle Green, there is no need to ask; the view of the river is plain to see and enjoy.
A small team, Hannah W, Ava W, Tom J and Mrs Boon, have been spending their Friday afternoons clearing undergrowth from the first section of the riverbank. Not only have their efforts opened up the view, but they have also given the daffodils a chance to be admired. Along the way the team has discovered some interesting litter, not least a bike rack upended in the brambles which was moved to a safer place with the help of the CCF.
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The project, supported by the Friends of Castle Green with advice from Natural England, is to clear one fifth of the riverbank every year. The aim is to keep the undergrowth under control while still allowing large areas to be undisturbed. This is important because the riverbank at Castle Green provides a resting place for the otters that are sometimes seen on the Green and in Castle Pool. The cut down undergrowth will be left in tidy piles to rot down in its own time and to provide cover for wildlife.
“The work has proved to be a satisfying change to round off a week in the classroom,” commented Mrs Boon, “and the team have been pleased to hear encouraging comments from passers-by.”
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