Colebrook channel plumbed into culvert. Higher Reed bed being formed. Part 2. 20th August 2022

Right, dear reader, this is where it gets weird. This section covers what I think is going to be the new Higher Reed bed. I say 'think' because I cannot readily reconcile the latest plans I have from Wokingham Borough Council's (WBC) planning department against both what Inert are actually doing, and Google earth satellite imagery.

Let's start with the latest plans I have from WBC's planning dept.

The Higher Reed Bed is a slightly distorted kidney shaped structure, south of Hawthorne lake, and north west of the much larger Reed Beds.  Also note how the Higher Reed Bed is almost completely surrounded by banking.

Now examine the latest Google earth satellite image I have

Ignoring the fact that the satellite image is old, and that Inert have done a huge amount to the site (e.g. Cormorant lake (north) has now been filled in) you may note that Hawthorne lake (the north most lake) have different shapes.

I do not think that Inert will be called upon to reshape this lake; but you never know. This lake is now quite established, it has a robust bit of banking to its south, and I have seen another set of plans which indicate that restoration is complete around Hawthorne lake.

Now on to what Inert are up to. They are sort of following the latest plans I have but not quite.

The first point to note is that the Higher Reed Bed does not extend far enough westward or, I think, southward.  The kidney shape has been truncated. I've tried to indicate this on the plans.

The second point to note is that that east side of the banking that surrounds the Higher Reed Bed does not turn northward via a right angle bend. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think this really matters.  What does matter is that we end up with a reed bed that is pretty much on the same size and shape as that on the plans.

Suffice it to say, after upfilling this area, Inert are now digging it out to form the Higher Reed Beds, and surrounding the area with a solid, wide piece of embankment.  I'd be intrigued when they put the sluice gates in.