The ancient tradition of weaving live willow has made a timely come-back at Bassenthwaite where methods from the Middle Ages are offering contemporary control for riverbank erosion.
In a bid to halt harmful sediment - which is hitting the lake's spawning ground and affecting important fish species - willow spiling has proved to be an original green solution.
By weaving live willow rods between stakes that will take root on riverbanks and stabilise earth, it is hoped to significantly cut the amount of soil entering watercourses feeding into Bassenthwaite Lake.
Three badly eroded sections of banking by the River Greta have now been repaired with lake bailiff Paul Burnell leading volunteers in a spiling offensive that is part of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme
"We have grown the special willow needed for this operation in an area of wetland beside the Greta," explained Paul. "It's deer fenced and will be coppiced to provide new growth for repairs and other banking schemes.
"This is a time-tested and very effective way of dealing with riverbank erosion. Spiling involves planting willow stakes along vulnerable banks and weaving thin willow cuttings between them. When they grow, they provide a natural looking physical barrier, which slows down the river when it's in full spate.
"The big advantage is that spiled sections provide a great and completely sustainable habitat for birds and insects. Once established, a newly spiled section can be cultivated and the new growth used to introduce willow fencing in other areas."
Manager of Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme John Pinder said willow offered many excellent opportunities across the lake's extensive catchment area.
He explained: "Not all river bank problems can be solved this way but many can and we will use spiling wherever possible. The 'willow nursery' created by the Lake District National Park is an excellent initiative. Growing your own raw materials must be a first!
"Riverbank erosion continues to be a significant source of loose soil entering Bassenthwaite Lake, where it adversely affects the gravel spawning beds of many of its fish life. Hopefully, we'll be seeing much more spiling introduced in the future."