Saturday, 14 April 2012

River Sampling - Ford - 14th April

The water level was rather low, but not as low as at the last sampling of 2011. Populations were small, with not a large number even of very small specimens. Most striking were the very few insect larvae of any kind (probably the smallest ever sample from this site) and a total absence of mayfly nymphs. Water snails of any sort were also not found. A few hog-louse were of fair size and a few freshwater shrimp were caught. Diversity was slightly better but hardly impressive. Fish however showed up well. Two minnows, one gravid, were caught near a weedy patch by the usual method, and by direct net-fishing near the bridge a pleasing four Stone Loach. In the same way and area we had two very small, greeny-brown crayfish, which might possibly have been native.
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)