Every year volunteers help clear the river of fallen trees and overhanging branches that restrict the water flow or restrict possible water traffic (boats, canoes etc) and angling. We can get our large equipment (dump truck and digger) to most blockages between Baylham and Needham Market, outside this area is limited to hand tools. Willow trees are the most troublesome, they don’t die when they fall and overhanging branches in the river take root and if left form new trees in the middle of the river, restricting the natural flow of water. Any tree blockage across the river with debris accumulating behind restrict the flow and causes a build up of smelly rotten floating vegetation. If left, the river tends to rise behind it in flood and overflows its banks eroding away the adjacent footpath. The river floods two or three times every year. Click on photo to enlarge.