Forum Topic

Barge owners and tree cutting near Osterley Lock no 98

I’ve been taking my dog down to the canal area, on our local walk; I’ve noticed that the barge owners are cutting down section of trees to use for firewood. Whilst I know they need to keep warm, I’m concerned that the area near to the barges will be destroyed, which would be a shame.

Mary Devine ● 1848d5 Comments

I was taking my exercise walk up round that way a week or so back.  How lovely the newly cleared area looks, and so much going on.  Can someone tell me about the carved wooden bench nearby (in the shape of a large frog or toad).  Well done to all working on this lovely project

Emma Renton ● 1844d

Could the original post have been referring to the recent "Orchard Lock Orchard Management"."Thank you all for lending us a hand with last week’s Osterley Lock Orchard spring clean! We were very happy to see an excellent turnout of volunteer, even including assistance spontaneously given after learning about the project. Between many hands and with the help of the park rangers, we accomplished quite a lot in little time:We coppiced overgrown hawthorn trees (remnants of a former hedge) to bring light and a clear lines-of -sight to the orchard. We recyled the branches to make enough woodchip to mulch the fruit trees, and stacked the rest into a ‘dead hedge’ to create nesting habitat for hedgehogs, small mammals and birds. Thanks to great teamwork from local volunteers backed up with some ranger technical support we’ve significantly improved the orchard for fruit trees, visitors and wildlife in one go."https://orchardtrail.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/orchard-lock-orchard-management/

Tim Henderson ● 1845d

It's most likely Canal & River Trust doing the cutting. Or possibly Thames 21 with permission of the landowners (either CRT or Council depending on how far away from the canal it is)By the way, people are asked to restrict their use of the towpath and to avoid areas where boats are moored. Those boats that have to move every fortnight are now largely stationary due to lockdown so there might be more boats around than usual.Please see: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus

Terry Freestone ● 1848d

A number of small treea and shrubs were cleared from an area adjacent to Osterley Lock a few weeks ago by a local volunteer group. There has been a lot of "tidying up"/wanton destruction of that area over the winter by the "appropriate authorities"whic wil have generated loads of logs.If you're looking for something to complain aboutyou might consider the widespread use of weedkillerby the Council on the brambles/blackberry bushes further along,michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1848d

This is the area near Osterley Lock no 98, for reference.

Mary Devine ● 1848d