| The River Chess, which runs along one side of the Estate, has been recognised as a chalk stream of European significance. Established footpaths through the fields and woods of the Estate lead down to the Chess Valley and link up with the Chess Valley Circular Walk which guides ramblers through glorious scenery and highlights certain river activities. |
 The view from the community woodland down to the Chess Valley |
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The Estate meets the Chess by a footbridge in an area popular, especially during the summer months, for both paddling and as a pretty picnicking spot. |
Restoring the River Bank
The popularity of the riverside has made it difficult to restore the bank in the approved way. Three years ago, rolls of coir were grafted into the bank, held in position by wooden stakes. It was expected that the normal vegetation of the bank would grow into these to make a new and firmer edge to the river. This has not happened; the river eroded behind the coir bundles, eating into the bank so that only the low stakes remain, now actually in the stream, and the imported pebbles which were to make a paddling beach have drifted (or been thrown!) into the river. The line of willow switches volunteers planted a couple of years ago have done better, and now there are several healthy young willow trees.
It’s a great place for picnics, though bonfires are not allowed. Sadly, some people have ignored this bye-law and there are areas where the grass has been destroyed by fire. Even the wooden back of the bench has been torn off and burned.
The nettles are very aggressive this year, but the Council has assured us that they will be cut regularly next year, which we hope will succeed in eradicating them. They will be cut this September and there is grass enough to allow plenty of room for picnicking, so go along and enjoy it.