Page 6 - Wildlife News Dec 2017
P. 6
People & nature
Riverside revival
Thank you! Your generous support means we’ve saved Duxford Old River,
safeguarding this tranquil place for generations to come and creating the
first nature reserve to span the River Thames. But this is just the start, as
Thames Vision Development Manager Richard Bloor explains
A midsummer walk along the Upper Thames might bring purchased 113 acres of land at Duxford Old River, on the south
you to a secluded spot where the meandering river seems bank of the Thames opposite Chimney, we will be able to preserve
almost hidden in the luxuriant growth of willows, reeds and one of the most pristine stretches of England’s most famous river,
rushes, and the mats of water-crowsfoot that cover the surface along with the animals and plants that call it home.
with flecks of yellow-white flowers. A family of swans drifts lazily
by as the brilliant-blue flash of a kingfisher darts past. Sadly precious gems such as Chimney have become the
exception rather than the rule. Changes in the way we manage
Behind, a meadow stretches to the horizon, meeting limitless the river and the land that surrounds it have taken their toll on
blue skies and billowing clouds. A curlew circles overhead, the this special, isolated corner of the Oxfordshire countryside. Many
distinctive trill of its alarm call drawing attention away from its nest river banks remain unprotected from erosion by livestock. Once-
concealed deep within the grass. Peering over the yellow waves abundant wildflower meadows have been reduced to fragments.
of daisies is a hare, looking out for danger, while a deer and fawn The impact of pollution, weirs and invasive species has made the
scamper into the hedgerows for cover. Suddenly a hobby appears river an ever-more inhospitable place for aquatic wildlife.
from above, swooping down to intercept a dragonfly.
Since we took over management of Chimney Meadows
Scenes like this, witnessed in and around Chimney Meadows National Nature Reserve in 1999, and purchased Chimney Farm
nature reserve, have been saved for the future thanks to the in 2003, the Upper Thames has been one of our priority ‘Living
generosity of so many individuals, as well as grants from bodies Landscapes’ to protect, treasure and restore. This latest expansion
such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, made possible by players of the of Chimney will kick-start the next phase of our journey towards
National Lottery, and of course you, our members. With the newly returning this landscape to the tranquil natural haven it once was.
(ANDREW MARSHALL/GO WILD LANDSCAPES) We’ll let nature take the lead at Duxford Old River. A banded demoiselle basks in the sun.
6 Wildlife news / December 2017
