we have several large ponds around the house and the earth is a dense clay could papyrus be grown successfully in or near the water around these ponds?

The gap being any space between the earth and the bottom of the pickets. Is this board installed on the smooth side or rail side of the fence?

We have recently acquired 5 chickens, and they have scratched at the ground significantly more than when we only had one. They just tear up the grass in no time and we were wondering what the best kind of material would be for covering the earth with; to avoid it becoming a mud bath in winter. Does anybody have any suggestions? We have done a few searches and found that straw or hay is a disaster, but could we put down a thin layer and rake it up regularly?
Thanks everyone