In #RiverKennett downstream of #RedLodge some Water Slaters/Hog Lice (Asellus aquaticus), the only NW European freshwater Isopod. Some Caddis Fly larvae but not as abundant as downstream. Lots snail eggs. Pendulous Sedge on the banks. #chalkstreams #WestSuffolk #Freckenham 3/3
Along the River Kennett between Red Lodge & Freckenham, a brood of Mallards commentated on by a loud Grey Wagtail, a busy Coot family & such a joy to have Swallows & House Martins sweeping the way ahead. #MyWalk #RiverKennett #RedLodge #Freckenham #Suffolk #BirdsSeenIn2021
2/2
Two pairs of Lapwings saw off a crow, then a male continued its merry dance, displaying to the females. Sadly the camera doesn't really pick up the thrilling throbbing sound of the wing tips during the aerobatics.
#MyWalk #Freckenham #Suffolk #BirdsSeenIn2021 #Lapwings
1/2
Exquisite swim in the gorgeous River Kennett yesterday, with a school of Chub at Freckenham, plenty of Bullheads and a small, curious little Pike who accompanied me for part of my 1.3km swim upstream. #freshwaterfishes #Chalkstreams #RiverKennet #Freckenham #WestSuffolk #fens 2/7
What fabulous, fabulous fish are Minnows. Look at these guys pumped up with testosterone, intent on their surfing. Terrific individual variation in colouration and patterning.
#MySwim #Minnows #freshwaterfishes #Chalkstreams #RiverKennet #Freckenham #fens @Britnatureguide 1/7
In Lee Brook, a tributary of the #RiverLark, downstream of Freckenham there are algal? growths that resemble & feel like green furry (but slimy) moles. Can anyone tell me what these are? #WildflowerID #Chalkstreams #Freckenham #WestSuffolk #Fens
3/5
Delighted to find a Water Vole latrine as I was clambering over a fallen tree in Lee Brook, where the Signal Crayfish are more like lobsters >15 cm. Lots of Caddis Fly larvae of various species & abundant Chalk-stream Water Crowfoot.
#Chalkstreams #Freckenham #WestSuffolk
2/5
In the Kennett-Lee Brook downstream of Freckenham plenty of splendid minnows and several species of Caddis Fly larvae.
#freshwaterfish #freshwaterfishes #Chalkstreams #Chalkstream #Freckenham #WestSuffolk #Isleham #Cambridgeshire #fens
4/4
And if you can't see the Bullhead guarding the watches like a dragon in 1/4 above, here's pics of one - gorgeous fish!
Sadly there was also a dead one. Why?
#bullhead #millersthumb #freshwaterfish #freshwaterfishes #Chalkstreams #Chalkstream #Freckenham #WestSuffolk #fens
3/4
Also lots horse bones - police say travellers dump their dead ponies in the rivers.
In case you can't spot stone loach above, here's a portrait. Also some large Gudgeon & a tiny Jack Pike.
#stoneloach #freshwaterfishes #Chalkstreams #Chalkstream #Freckenham #WestSuffolk
2/4
Returning down Lee Brook past Lee Farm, suddenly came across a pillow case full of jewellery stuck against a fallen tree across the current! Lugged it home in case anyone wants to claim? Any recent thefts in #Freckenham #Isleham? Mute Swan outriders led way on the last leg. 7/7
Upstream of Lee Farm, Lee Brook full of Crowfoot, Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica)?, Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) & other water plants as a #Chalkstream should be. Why not downstream also?
#crowfoot #chalkstreams #Freckenham #Isleham #WestSuffolk #Cambridgeshire
5/7
Suddenly just upstream of this structure at Lee Farm, Lee Brook became a beautiful #chalkstream again with pools of Dace. What could be causing the dead zone for the mile downstream? @theriverstrust IsMyRiverFitToPlay app lists no sewage outflow here
#Freckenham #WestSuffolk
4/7
Apart from some swarms of fish fry at the confluence of the Lee Brook with the #RiverLark, many of which were diseased, including these Roach, for the first mile, the only fish I saw were diseased or dead, such as this Perch & these Three-spined Sticklebacks.
#Freckenham
2/7
Apart from some swarms of fish fry at the confluence of the Lee Brook with the #RiverLark, many of which were diseased, including these Roach, for the first mile, the only fish I saw were diseased or dead, such as this Perch & these Three-spined Sticklebacks.
#Freckenham
2/7
After walking from #Freckenham down gorgeous Kennett-Lee Brook, a perfect-looking #chalkstream, as I slipped into #RiverLark at West Row on a perfect Saturday a.m., was buzzing with anticipation for a swim up Lee Brook. But, horrors! For almost a mile a DEAD ZONE!
#MySwim
1/7
After walking from #Freckenham down gorgeous Kennett-Lee Brook, a perfect-looking #chalkstream, as I slipped into #RiverLark at West Row on a perfect Saturday a.m., was buzzing with anticipation for a swim up Lee Brook. But, horrors! For almost a mile a DEAD ZONE!
#MySwim
1/7
