Autumn Update

Autumn Update

This has been an extraordinary Summer in many ways  but your Management Committee has been busy , where and when it  was possible to progress some of the objectives of the Society.

 Unsurprisingly the river levels were low during a dry Summer, but the water quality for the most part remained good.  Fish stocks seem to be varied. In the lower reaches the abundant reed bed growth certainly seemed to be preventing the larger fish from progressing up river.  Towards Nottington there were still trout sightings so perhaps the work on the fish passes here and in Radipole are now beginning to have a worthwhile effect.  Thanks to the local effort in Nottington , the control of the flow through the village has been excellent so that the relief channel has been kept clean with good water quality.

 In Littlemead, our efforts have been directed towards the repair of the riverside  footpath which connects Broadwey with Nottington. This has been very difficult to achieve but we are now  working with Councillors, Council Officials and Landowners to get this vital work planned and achieved.

 Wildlife in the Valley has generally had a good season. Bird life has included plenty of Mallard, a number of Egrets and. even a pair of Kingfishers which are very, very rarely seen together. In Broadwey, there  are a number of rare Bat colonies including  Daubententons so it seems that the Wey Valley is holding its own in terms of species.

 Your Committee and volunteers have also continued the campaign against the invasive growths of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. This is tough but rewarding work and it is almost certain that we will need to suppress the profusion of both of these next year.

 I am happy to report that the RWS is building on its liaisons with many Authorities and  Agencies so that we can all work together to preserve and enhance  the Wey Valley  environment      In terms of Flood Risk ,as Autumn gets into full swing we have had a few sharp reminders that rainfall, either sustained or in heavy bursts, is on the increase.  May I therefore suggest that we all review our Floodplains, maintain our drains and ditches and run up emergency pumps and equipment.

 Finally, let us hope that sooner rather than later, we can meet as a Society both for an Evening Presentation and our long postponed AGM.

Bob  Turner

Chairman