Tuesday 23 May 2023

RiverCare Sampling Results

22nd May 2023 - a small group of ANW members joined Nancy O at the Abington Ford for the monthly RiverCare Sampling of the river. The group was also joined by Ruth Hawksley from the local BCN Wildlife Trust group, to help with some of the identification. These results are reported centrally to RiverCare, and help to assess how well our aquatic wildlife is faring.

A good number of species were identified, many of which in good numbers as shown in the table below. Andy M took a few photos of some of the main types of creature found.


Cased Caddisfly larva

Angler's Curse larva (Caenis luctuosa) - a species of small Mayfly

Caseless Caddisfly larvae

Signal Crayfish - about 5-6 cm long

Tiny Signal Crayfish

An Olive larva - a species of Up-wing fly

Freshwater Shrimps (Gammarus spp)

Mayfly larvae

A small Bullhead fish - only 2-3 cm long

Several snail shells, including a live Freshwater Mussel (top, yellow)

Cranefly larvae (Tipulidae family)

Non-biting Midge larvae (bloodworms)


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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)