Waterways Ireland clear felling trees.

I just looked at some of the photos there and the trees felled seem to have been between the towpath and the river. Not sure if they would damage the riverbank? Certainly along canals that area would always have been clear to protect the stone lining, and also because barges were horse drawn so they needed the bank to be clear of any obstructions (because of the tow rope).


Generally a tree canopy can overhang a towpath from the other side, and still be good for wildlife.


Not everyone likes hard surfaces in a nature setting, but I'm a fan where the path is well constructed and narrow, and if nature is allowed to go wild all around.
For example, sometimes you will get a boardwalk through a bog or a marsh, or wet forest. Other times a tarmac path through an area that would otherwise be muddy or overgrown with brambles.
Its the contrast I like, between the human accessibility of the path, and the nature undisturbed beyond it.

It has to be done right though.