The Gill Beck going the full Zambesi at Tong Park after storm Ciara: Sunday 9th FebWater almost up to the bottom of the bridge at the damAnd briefly flowing over the old weir againA raging torrent heads for the viaduct
All this action has substantially re-engineered the Gill Beck.
We now have a long stretch of steep sandy bankAnd new water features: all the fine silt has been stripped out of the river bed leaving clean shingle. Looks good for trout spawning.A beach! Already with sprouting ButterburThe old stream bed has dried out again but the damp conditions are ideal for Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage -one of the signature plants of the valley.The new design seems to suit the resident Dippers (Photo Paul Marfell)