2007
ST4342 : Willows and Rhynes at Westhay
taken 18 years ago, near to Westhay, Somerset, England

Willows and Rhynes at Westhay
The long straight drainage ditches on the Levels are known as 'rhynes' - possibly a Dutch derivation from the engineers who created this landscape? Willows, regularly cut back, are a traditional feature of this landscape, but in many places have been removed. Grant schemes have recently encouraged farmers to retain this landscape of pasture, rather than ploughing up for maize or other crops.