Grey Herons are seen infrequently at the meadow and are easily flushed accidentally before a prolonged view can be enjoyed. This was the case in late October when a bird that was clearly in the process of depleting the chub stocks, spread its great wings and with dangling legs and ungainly neck, became airborne. The water levels in the brook were low and the water clear, so the fish were rather at the mercy of this specialist predator with only the roots and shade of a bank-side hawthorn as defence.

Apart from chub, the only other species of fish in the brook are Three-spined Stickleback and Stone Loach. Years ago, I’m sure there were Minnows too and a more concerted effort would be helpful in confirming them or otherwise. Old reports of Trout are obviously in error as the stream is not sufficiently oxygenated for them to survive..