Update on Blueprint for Water.

At the end of last month I wrote to my MP about the state of our local streams and rivers, it is here. I think she may have found the photos that I included a little awkward. She couldn't just fob me off with telling me all is well with freshwaters in the UK, not when she had seen pictures of pollution and physical damage occuring in the main water course in her constituency. Anyway here is her reply. She sort of admits there may be a problem with the River Churnet, but then goes on to tell me how wonderful are her government at looking after Britain's aquatic habitats. Read her letter below. But after you have read that click on the link underneath that to read that three environmental charities have been given leave to make a legal challenge into how DEFRA (government agency responsible for protecting the quality of our rivers) are neglecting to safeguard some of the country's most special wetlands. Needless to say I will be mentioning this in my follow-up letter to Karen Bradley.

http://www.wwf.org.uk/wwf_articles.cfm?unewsid=7661

Unusual sighting on Caldon Canal today.

I decided to walk to work (in Norton Heights) along the Caldon Canal  this morning. It took 1hr. 20mins. and I got absolutely soaking wet! However it was worth it as I saw a juvenile Common Sandpiper feeding alongside the Caldon Canal between Endon and Stockton Brook. This species is more usually associated with lake shores and stream and river edges. They are a summer visitor, coming here from Africa to breed. The bottom photo shows the garden where I noticed its distinctive and characteristic bobbing at the edge of the water. 

Wildflowers along the disused railway line August 2015.

At present there is a good display of wild flowers along the disused railway line. Here are some photos.

Harebells, Rose Bay Willowherb, Hawkweed sp. Mouse-eared Hawkbit etc.

Sneezewort.

Branched Bur-reed on Endon Brook where it passes under the railway. 

Fairy Flax.

Braod-leaved Willowherb and Hogweed. 

Large Scabious, White Valerian and RB Willowherb.

Meadowsweet, Knapweed plus more. 

Hymalayan Balsam. Broad-leaved Dock, Marsh Woundwort etc. (along track between railway and Caldon Canal). 

Ragwort, RB Willowherb etc.

Square-stemmed St John's Wort, Ragwort, etc.