
the habitat along and around a creek or river is crucial for a healthy ecosystem. trees that grow in these areas form a necessary transition zone between land and water. these trees help to filter runoff and groundwater, removing pollutants from the waterway. because so much native vegetation has been cleared along creeks and rivers the natural cycle of floods and lulls have scoured deeper into the landscape. water that was usually slowed and controlled by the dense reeds and trees lining flows ever faster, causing more erosion. rain water flowing down from higher ground rushes unimpeded into the creeks and rivers, carrying precious topsoil which is easily washed away. so the cycle continues. willows, because of their tenacity and fast growth can halt this. their presence along a water way catches organic matter that is washing downstream. the raft of roots that grow form an environment that is ideal for platypus and fish, and the shade provided slows evaporation and further water-loss.
so they are important as a fast measure to halt some of the damage. of course there are native trees well-suited to the job, but they are slower growing and more susceptible to damage from fast-flowing or flooding creeks and rivers.
willows grow so easily as i found out when pete and i found one not far from here and took some cuttings. within two weeks they had grown masses of roots and were shooting with new growth.
we will have to be careful where and how we plant them and make sure they are not the 'restricted' species. but i love the idea of using them to grow a living arbour or fence...look at these.
used as a living erosion control retainer:

and this delighful post on the permaculture in brittany blog.











