The change we are hoping for, Silt movement (if the silt has changed depth), if any gravel bed/Hard substrate is exposed and if the density of the reeds get smaller allowing flow through resulting in less management needed each year.

 

Common reeds, bulrush, Norfolk reed, are common types of reed within the water column and are a massive benefit to the rivers watercourse. However, everything has their pros and cons. Here are a few Pros of reeds, Create shelter and refuge for freshwater organisms and wildfowl, filters the water and helps with deterring erosion of the river bank. Here are a few cons, Can stop natural flow of the river leading to surface vegetation which blocks sunlight (duckweed), When reeds breakdown they turn into silt or mulch which can affect the water quality (through silt movement can also cover up natural spawning ground for fish) and If reeds aren't managed can stop fish migrating throughout the season (to spawning beds or areas of slacker water). 

 

There is also a good population of water voles along the river gipping, allowing certain sections (upto 2m x 2m square) of reeds allow us to still continue to work on the river but allow these amazing creatures to have habitat. These organisms also like to have woody structure in the water to sit or sun bath on. having these in the river is a incredible to see as they are indicator species, which shows good biodiversity and health within the river. unfortunately these are under threat by predators, like the american mink. so keeping habitat for these animals are vital for the river to flourish.

 

There is a good amount of freshwater snails within the river, when we first started working at Paper mill lane we found hundreds of snail shells with very little live ones. This year working on the same reed bed, we have found a bigger population of freshwater snails. Freshwater snails feed and heal damaged vegetation so they are a very important part of the structure of the river. They also are prey to Fish and wildfowl which makes them another key within the food chain.