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The watercourse which run through Darwin Gardens are a most valuable natural feature of the site, providing excellent wildlife habitats, some very attractive views, and the opportunity for delightful waterside walking using the progressively extended network of pathways and bridges.
However, sustained heavy rainfall has again caused overflowing at the lower end of the site, possibly due to obstruction within the exit culvert, which Bradford Council are responsible to maintain. As well as creating a dangerously deep pool in the gill, the overflow water flooded down Wells Road, causing significant problems for pedestrians and vehicles in the town centre. We look forward eagerly to a thorough inspection and effective action to remedy this recurrent problem.
There is just one year to go to the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. 2009 will also see the 150th anniversary of The Origin of Species, so suggestions for marking these significant events at Darwin Gardens are most welcome!
With the assistance of schoolchildren who joined our regular work party volunteers, the community wildlife hedgerow has received its annual trimming in record time.
The culvert which was the focus of flooding problems during the past year has now been inspected and the blockage remedied by Bradford Council. This was achieved by lowering a mini digger into the bed of the gill, which then dug out up to six feet of silt that had accumulated at the culvert entrance. Hopefully this should ensure free flow after heavy rain for many years to come.
However the weather has recently caused another obstruction - this time due to a violent gale which finally toppled an old and leaning willow, blocking the entire width of the sand path. Thankfully, the point of fall had no significant damage and one of our volunteers was soon on the scene to trim the branches sufficiently to permit a way through.
On a more seasonal note, the long period of sunny weather has brought out a fine display of blooms, including bistort and flag iris in the upper part of the gill, marsh marigold in the pond, marsh bedstraw, honeysuckle in the hedgerow and an orchid which has been suitably protected from sheep grazing.