Saturday 4 May 2019

River Sampling April record

Abington NatureWatch undertakes regular monitoring of the water quality and fauna of the river in Abington, usually sampling at the ford.  The latest sampling was on 29th April, by Peter B, Robin H, Anne and Ross DN, Sally T and David F.

The river level was noted as being quite low at the moment, with only a slow flow, due in part to the fact that April has been a very dry month, with only 10mm of rain recorded.

Note: the crayfish normally found in the river are all the invasive species of (American) Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).  More information can be found here: 
https://www.waterways.org.uk/news_campaigns/campaigns/invasive_species/crayfish/signal_crayfish

Mayfly larva (Ephemeridae spp)

Mayfly larva (Baetidae spp)

Sampling site and Robin H (Homo sapiens)

No comments:

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)