Langdyke Countryside Trust is working with the Environment Agency to identify areas for shrub and tree planting to mitigate tree removal along the banks of the Maxey Cut.
The agency plans to remove trees and bushes on both banks of the Cut to alleviate flooding risk in future years.
According to the environment agency the volume of rain that fell early this year highlighted issues with trees and bushes along the Maxey Cut channel.
Now following a recent geotechnical investigation into the condition of the banks, the project’s aims are to maintain the integrity of the banks to prevent flooding in the villages of Northborough, Market Deeping, Tallington, Helpston, Etton, Maxey, Glinton, West Deeping and Peakirk. It is envisaged that a longer-term scheme will be developed taking a strategic approach with the Crowland and Cowbit Washes
An agency spokesman explained: “Trees can cause asset deterioration by reducing the grass growth around them. This reduces the grass network, called sward, impacting the integrity of the bank. Additionally, it makes routine maintenance more difficult to carry out.
“We are in the process of scheduling maintenance to remove trees and bushes on both banks either side of the Maxey Cut channel from Bainton Road Bridge, Tallington, to Peakirk Pumping Station.
“Our Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team and our Ecological Consultant are working with Langdyke Trust and PECT ( Peterborough Environment City Trust) to deliver mitigation tree and shrub planting.
“Additionally, a new fish refuge habitat will be created in the Maxey Cut channel following the completion of the works.”
Contractors will be on site to start the tree maintenance in early October.
Langdyke has identified several sites which may benefit from a tree or bush planting programme including around the Etton Maxey reserve site and the Helpston area. Sites within the wider John clare Partnership could also benefit.
The agency says contractors will be working along the flood embankments using excavators, chainsaws and chippers, so there may be some intermittent noise.
The Maxey Cut – it’s history and purpose
If you would like more information about this project you can contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. For information on flood risk in your area you can visit www.gov.uk/flood.
If you need to report an incident, the incident hotline is 0800 80 70 60. You can find more information about reporting an environmental incident at: https://www.gov.uk/report-an-environmental- incident