[Anke]

WE grow willow as a crop for our goats (and I dare saying that the sheep would love it too, but it is too much work to cut for them as well as the goats), and our first batch of trees is now 10 yo and we have taken chunks off for firewood (not ideal wrt to heat output, but cheap and homegrown, will need a couple of years for drying). I am just suggesting it as it grows fast in damp places. We cut back every other winter or so.

But yes, alder grows fast as well (ours are all self sown) and would be equally good in your situation.

[clydesdaleclopper]

Willow spiling is a traditional way of stabilising river banks so I reckon that would be your best bet

[Womble]

Hmmm, the fence line is our boundary, so the river bank doesn't actually belong to us. I'm sure willow would work, but still a bit concerned that it would take over very quickly, and then become yet another thing to maintain  .  Any thoughts?

[Marches Farmer]

Our fields border a stream that drains the whole valley, so it can turn from something 60cm wide and 15cm deep to 5m wide and 3m deep after a day's heavy rainfall.  The only thing that slows it down is that the stream meanders.  I see yours is pretty straight.  Is it possible to cut an alternative stream bed for it and put in some bends?

[doganjo]

Hmmm, the fence line is our boundary, so the river bank doesn't actually belong to us. I'm sure willow would work, but still a bit concerned that it would take over very quickly, and then become yet another thing to maintain  .  Any thoughts?

I've got willow along the wee wall at the front - three years old now.  Needs cutting once a year, twice if you have the energy, great for the wood burner.  Come and see it sometime.

[doganjo]

   I see yours is pretty straight.  Is it possible to cut an alternative stream bed for it and put in some bends?

Ha ha - that's the railway line in Stirling!