Thursday, 13 August 2020

River sampling results - 11th August

A small number of the Abington Naturewatch RiverCare group meet on 11th August 2020, suitably spaced, to resume regular river sapling at the ford.

The results are indicated below, as well as a few photos:

The weather was very hot and the river level low. There was a notable lack of the usual weed. 
The fauna samples were disappointing, with little of note apart from three small fish. In particular, we found no mayfly larva; I don't remember that happening before.

This dearth of life may be due in part to the drought conditions encountered last year and I think we need to push for less abstraction from the chalk aquifer.  
David Brooks of Cam Valley Forum has today emailed indicating:
Members and supporters may be interested in the very worthy Chalk Aquifer Alliance to which the CVF is affiliated as a group.  If you would like to be alerted to their activities you can subscribe to their mailings at




Signal Crayfish
Signal Crayfish and Stone Loach
Stone Loach
Minnow
Miller's Thumb
Miller's Thumb
Miller's Thumb
Miller's Thumb
Miller's Thumb
Stone Loach
Stone Loach
Stone Loach

 (photos also on https://www.flickr.com/photos/peterjeb/sets/72157715453002673/)
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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)