Abington Naturewatch: Water Crowfoot in the Granta - an indicator of a healthy river

Thursday, 16 July 2026

Water Crowfoot in the Granta - an indicator of a healthy river

19th June 2026 - the river Granta behind the cricket field was looking particularly lovely - clear water, flowing well over lovely green weeds, with the flowers of Water Crowfoot, a member of the buttercup family, pushing up above the surface. The latter is an indicator of a healthy river - see quote below from the Wildlife Trust website:

'Water crowfoot (Ranunculus spp.) is a primary indicator of excellent water quality. It thrives in clean, cool, well-oxygenated, and unpolluted rivers (such as chalk streams). Its presence points to healthy aquatic ecosystems, as the plant dies off and is replaced by algae in nutrient-polluted waters.'

Andy M.

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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)