Paddleboarders warned of 'sudden branch drop'

Darren Reeve, from Norfolk Paddle Meet Ups, said he was now "paying attention to the trees" when paddleboarding

Boaters and paddlers have been warned about an increased risk of falling branches following the recent heatwaves.

Paddleboarders in particular have been told to watch for the potential dangers of "sudden branch drop".

Darren Reeve, who runs Norfolk Paddle Meet Ups in Norwich, said: "We check for tide and weather and now when we're paddling, we're paying attention to the trees."

The Broads Authority, which runs national parks in Norfolk and Suffolk, said the dry spell followed by heavy rain "is likely to have led to some trees and branches becoming unstable".

Mr Reeve, who has joined calls for action to stop sewage pollution, said he was advised by a Norfolk Broads ranger about the potential hazard.

"It sort of woke us up really, as coaches, that when you do your safety briefings... none of us ever talk about looking up.

"After that I thought 'hang on a minute, we run for cover when it's raining, we get under the trees' – and that has changed our minds, because you are going to get no warning and it can just crack and go," he said.

"I've said to my group that when we're paddling, anything that is overhanging or doesn't look right, just avoid it slightly, go around it, take note of your surroundings."

A willow tree fell into the Wensum near Whitefriars bridge in Norwich earlier this month

In Norfolk recently a large willow tree tumbled into the river near Whitefriars bridge in Norwich and Holkham Park has warned visitors about "some incidents of sudden branch drop".

Rory Hobbs, managing director of RH Tree Consultants in Thetford, said sudden branch drop is not fully understood.

"There are lots of theories out there, mostly to water quickly flushing through branches and extending cells quickly," he said.

"What we do have a good understanding of is the trees that are susceptible to it, particularly oak, sweet chestnut and beech, and to a lesser extent ash, poplar, willow, horse chestnut and elm.

"It tends to impact mature trees more and failures tend to occur on long, drawn out horizontal branches."

Mr Hobbs stressed the risk is "exceptionally low".

The River Yare at Thorpe St Andrew is lined by trees

The Broads Authority has asked people to report any unmarked tree falls which are causing a hazard.

Of the risk of sudden branch drop, a spokesman said: "The prolonged dry spell earlier this summer combined with recent heavy rain is likely to have led to some trees and branches becoming unstable.

"Although it is very rare for there to be incidents, we urge boaters and paddlers to remain cautious when travelling under tree cover."