Sunday, 30 July 2023

RiverCare - river sampling results

27th July 2023 - the RiverCare team meet to undertake the monthly river sampling of the river Granta, by the ford. They found several Signal Crayfish and four small fish, including two Bullhead (aka Miller's Thumb) and what are possibly two Stone Loach. If so, the latter only live in very clean water, not tolerating even mildly polluted water, so that's good news.

Also good numbers of the larvae of both Blue-winged Olive and Olive (both types of Upwing flies) and those of Mayfly and Cranefly. Several Cased Caddisfly and Freshwater Shrimp were also found, as well as a Water Boatman.


Bullhead aka Miller's Thumb

Stone Loach (and small Olive larva)

Stone Loach, showing three pairs of barbels around the mouth
(and a Mayfly larva underneath)

Signal Crayfish

Signal Crayfish

Mayfly larva

Mayfly larvae

Mayfly larvae

Blue-winged Olive larvae
(note the wider 'skirt' around the gills towards the rear of the body)

Blue-winged Olive larva

Olive larva (lacking the wider 'skirt')

Olive larva

Water Boatman

Cased Caddisfly larva

Freshwater Shrimp, Gammarus

Pea Clam, or Fingernail Clam - note the extending foot

River Worm (left), and Cranefly larvae
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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)