Pollarding the Willow - no, not a type of cèilidh dance - (originally the word “poll” described the top of the head so pollarding essentially means to remove the top of the tree, it involves the regular cutting of upper branches back to the main trunk during the dormant season) - but more our resolute SWAMP team's continuing hard work at improving the area in and around Morston Pond. Obvious benefits of this work are an increase in the light levels around the pond, giving flora the chance to bloom as well as improving air circulation with the thinning of the crown. If consistently attended to, our willows will have an increased lifespan, with diseases having little time to infect the growing wood. They will also be prevented from outgrowing their natural environment and there is always the possibility of older tress being rejuventated by pollarding.
Willow has an incredible ability to spread across a given area – with the branches leaning heavily groundwards. Once they make contact with the ground, branches will shoot out roots which then become established. This leads to, over time, the willow creeping along, spreading its canopy and over-shading any plants trying to grow beneath. Pollarding willow reduces this action immensely, which leads to increased diversity of flora on the ground.
Over the past 12 months, the SWAMP team have ventured deep into the pond to remove the evasive Crassula and Parrot's Feather, in both fair weather and foul. We have splashed about in wellies and waders, getting wet, muddy, hot and bothered but we have remained in good spirits throughout. The SWAMP team of volunteers are determined to continue the project into the future, with plans afoot for an equipment store (with more precise equipment) and ideas a-plenty for how to improve the biodiversity of the pond environment for all to enjoy.
We bid farewell to 2023 with a celebratory feast and drinks at The Morston Anchor, with thoughts very much looking forward to the future. Roll on 2024!
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