In 2008, we set about transforming the banks of the Linslade side of the River Ouzel, upstream of the road bridge opposite Leighton Middle School. At the time, only invasive Himalayan Balsam and head-height nettles were growing there. We’d noticed there were no wild flowers or shrubs growing, so with the permission of Central Bedfordshire Council and the help of a personal donation from a local resident, we began planting up.
Preparing the site
We started with the bank on the Leighton Middle School side, next to the Flypast Monument. The bank was covered in sycamore trees which don’t support much wildlife compared with other shrubs, and there were scarcely any other plants.
Central Bedfordshire Council removed the sycamore trees and we planted a native hedge of hawthorn, spindle, wayfaring and guelder rose at the top of the bank. Further down the bank we planted primroses and wild roses. We left the existing elder and apple trees, which not only provide a fantastic display of blossom in the spring and free apples in the autumn for passers-by, but also much-needed nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
Establishing the plants
We spent many summers running up and down the bank to get water from the river to help these shrubs establish, but now they’re flourishing. This whole range of plants now provides a wide range of pollen and nectar.
As well as clearing and replanting the bank, right from the start our work has included regular sessions of clearing rubbish out of the river, particularly supermarket trolleys.
Expanding to the opposite bank
The next step was to start work on the opposite bank, on the same side as the Shell garage. Again, only nettles and Himalayan balsam were growing, which we dug up and weeded out.
Plants on this riverbank have the additional challenge of being able to survive flooding in the winter and drought conditions in the summer. To help with this, Leighton Linslade Town Council gave us a grant to primroses and stitchwort on the upper bank, and comfrey, campion and teasel on the lower parts. Further away from the bridge we planted yellow flag Irises, wild angelica, hemp agrimony, knapweed, campion, teasel, oxeye daisies and cornfield annuals. We also planted guelder rose, wild rose, wayfaring tree and spindle, which are all thriving.
Managing the site
It’s ongoing work to help the plants to keep establishing, keep the nettles and Himalayan balsam under control, and watering the plants in dry times. But slowly, the whole ecology of the area is changing, the plants are establishing and, very excitingly, other native species are appearing such as water figwort and burdock. It’s interesting to note that wayfaring and spindle trees are doing so well as they normally do well in much drier conditions.
Keep an eye on our events page for more information about upcoming work parties or awareness days.