Ian Campbell and the Kennet team were at it again today clearing a fallen tree from the river at Hambridge, a few hundred yards above Tumble Bay on the south bank. I’ve included both the pre and post work photos to show what was involved. None of the tree, even the root ball, was attached to the bank, so how to get it out? Fortunately Ian has the nous and the equipment and after a few hours all of it was removed, leaving quite a nice trotting swim with fast water upstream which shallows at the bottom of the swim.

Contractors are also part way through creating a solid path between Tumble Bay and the NAA Bellwood lake gate so you won’t get stuck in the swamp anymore.

Sadly for Ian and the team it wasn’t all good news as several more trees have toppled over since our last visit which will require work, but that’s the Kennet for you.

Posted 18/07/25