River Mel Restoration Group www.rivermel.com Last month, we tackled a major repair to the access point to the River Mel on the Melbourn playing field, with support and finance from Melbourn Parish Council. Originally installed in 2009, the access has proved to be a popular feature, but the years of constant use have taken their toll. Some judicious repairs had extended its useful life, but this year we felt that the time had come for a more substantial repair, as the leading edge had been eroded and was becoming dangerous. With the work planned to be spread over three days, the old reinforcements were removed, the soil dug out to bed level, and four reclaimed railway sleepers used to reinforce the front edge. Soil retaining geotextile was laid behind the sleepers and the area backfilled with a mixture of soil and gravel. The gravel should improve drainage and the geotextile will help prevent soil being washed out under the sleepers and into the river. Once the infill was tamped down, a robust soil retaining matting was laid over the area to help prevent surface erosion by rain and wet dogs. We were fortunate to be able to use the services of Meldreth Plant Hire, who were engaged to do the groundworks. Their previous expertise in river work and their willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ resulted in the project coming in on schedule and within budget. We hope that by the time that you read this, some pictures of the work will have found their way on to the RMRG website, www.rivermel.com. In Meldreth, the water sampling project that we are undertaking with the Cambridge-based Cam Valley Forum continues. A third round of sampling is planned for the beginning of August, so once the results are in, we hope to be able to update you with a clearer picture as to how problematic the issues are. For information about the River Mel Restoration Group, please email info@rivermel.com or visit our website at www.rivermel.com. Sandra Webb
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