SuperByte volunteers help strengthen the River Vyrnwy’s banks with traditional willow spiling
Volunteers from SuperByte joined our Upper Severn Operations Team and Mathraval Farm to reinforce a vulnerable section of the River Vyrnwy. This part of the Upper Severn catchment regularly feels the force of high flows, and the bank at this location has collapsed several times in the past. Mathraval Farm secured a special permit from Natural Resources Wales to use willow spiling, a long-established technique that supports riverbank stability without changing the river’s height or course.
Corporate volunteering days like this give teams the chance to step outdoors and contribute directly to practical river conservation. The SuperByte team were fully involved from start to finish, working alongside Dewi, Charlotte and the farm’s staff to complete the full section of spiling.
What willow spiling does and why it’s used
Willow spiling is a traditional method that uses living willow to stabilise riverbanks. Fresh willow posts are driven into the bank, and long willow rods are woven tightly between them. Once the structure is backfilled, the willow begins to root. Over time this creates a strong, flexible, living revetment.
The technique has several benefits:
• It can flex under pressure during high flows
• It traps fine sediment that gradually strengthens the bank
• It uses natural, locally sourced materials
• It creates low-level habitat as the willow grows
For sites with ongoing erosion issues, it offers a practical way to protect land while keeping the river corridor natural and open.
A collaborative day on the riverbank
The volunteers worked alongside Dewi and Charlotte from Severn Rivers Trust, supported by three members of staff from Mathraval Farm. The team also installed a small artificial holt further downstream after spotting clear signs of otter activity along the river.
Severn Rivers Trust and Mathraval Farm will continue to monitor how the willow establishes over the coming months and through periods of high water.
Reflections from partners
Simon Russell, Director at SuperByte, said:
“Thank you Severn Rivers Trust from myself and the team at SuperByte for the great day. The team really enjoyed it and are keen to do more. Special thanks to Mathraval Farm’s Elwyn, Josh and Carwyn for being such good hosts and to you Dewi and Charlotte for making sure everyone had a great time.”
Marc Jones, owner of Mathraval Farm, said:
“I would note my appreciation to Dewi, Severn Rivers Trust and the volunteers from SuperByte for contributing to this exercise. We will also continue to work with the help of Upper Tanat Fishing Club to improve the habitat of the River Vyrnwy as it flows through Mathrafal.”
Dewi Morris, SRT Catchment Restoration Officer, added:
“It was great to have SuperByte join us as part of their wellbeing and environmental commitment. Living willow revetments are a useful tool for vulnerable banks. The structure can withstand high flows and helps retain debris and sediment, while the willow roots bind the bank together over time.”
Thank you to everyone involved
Our thanks go to Marc and the team at Mathraval Farm for hosting and working with us on this stretch of the Vyrnwy, and to the SuperByte volunteers for their hard work and enthusiasm. Collaborative days like this show how local businesses, landowners and Severn Rivers Trust can work together to support the health of our rivers.
