New Riverside Steps

Published: 06 May 2025

As more people enjoy the riverside, there is growing pressure on the footpaths so that the woodland suffers. Soil compaction reduces the opportunity for some species to grow and makes it impossible for many species to survive. The damaged soil is much more prone to wind and rain erosion, thus washing away the seed bed, nutrients and mycorrhizal fungi connections essential for the majority of plants.

A forest can lose up to 2,900 tonnes pr square mile of soil a year. Considering a forest can only make 290 tonnes per year, you can see how valuable topsoil is and how erosion is very important to control.

The Community Green Group's aim is to try and encourage the majority of the footfall on the main footpaths with a fair balance between freedom of use, and protecting our ancient woodland and its wildlife.

The now zigzag footpath was starting to show significant damage from erosion with the thin layer of top soil being washed away. By making this path a zigzag, the erosion will be reduced to help save valuable woodland topsoil and the important wildlife it supports.

Some shortcuts in other areas have also been blocked off to help save compaction, erosion and footpath widening. Grass can be walked on with little damage, however many delicate wildflowers cannot survive the effects of many feet and will just die. The Parish Council is very grateful for the work of all the volunteers in making these improvements.