Ross Town Council have set the record straight after questions about their policy on allowing the riverbanks of the Wye to grow out.

Residents and visitors of the town may notice that along the riverbank, near the canoe launch, the vegetation has been allow, in some places, to grow a little wilder than usual.

The secretary of Ross Business Association (RBA) Sue Williams told the Gazette of a number of criticisms she had received from locals and tourists that they’re unable to properly see the River Wye from the park in the town. The Gazette followed up the enquirey with the coucil and discovered the root of the decision.

Amenities offier at Ross-on-Wye Council Council Lilah Carpenter said that tt was agreed by committee to put a plan in place to create a riparian corridor to save the riverbank as an attempt to help tackle considerable erosion.

A riparian corridor is a unique plant community consisting of the vegetation growing near a river, or other natural body of water.

This erosion causes pollution to the river and the soil covers the spawning grounds for fish. She added that neglecting the issue could mean that, in time, the Long Acre will become a Long Half Acre. The council must therefore endeavour to stabilise the bank with a root network from trees and shrubs. In so doing a riparian wildlife corridor will be created, offering feeding, nesting, breeding, and shelter for wildlife, creating interest for the public and reducing the need for strimming.

She added that the public will still enjoy views of the river through “windows” at each of the seats. Viewing openings in the vegetation opposite most seats will be 8 to 10 meters. This will alter with time as vegetation develops. Long Acre bank would be divided into five 100m sections. All work to the vegetation will be rotational. Overall, one section is being worked each year, allowing wildlife to move between undisturbed sections. Leap frogging between sections, rather than working in a linear fashion, will help to preserve habitat; the window areas will be kept open.