Weather authorities have announced that October 2006 as the warmest October on record. Dragonflies that are usually hibernating during September are noticeably active above the aquatic airways through October. This year after another long dry summer, one in which the public have hopefully become aware of the impact of water shortages to their lives, and some having an improved understanding that the aquifers have been staved over the last three dry winters. Yet man's abstraction from the aquifers is relentless. In the millions of years that mayfly have inhabited planet earth, this is could be a climatic blip that we are experiencing. Will the natural world of aquatic plants, vertebrates and invertebrates be equal to the survival task for future generations. This an unknown. Man has a significant role to play. Man needs to go to the conference table to support the world's natural environment.
With low river water levels we seemed to experience increased aquatic plant growth, this the dwellings for caddis fly egg rope, caddis cases, egg clusters of alder flies and mayfly larvae, so it is likely that there will be abundant cyclical hatches in the following years. The wild trout appear to be gradually increasing in numbers with several showing around a splendid eight-inch mark. We shall continue our labour of love once again this coming winter on the river. Working parties will take place each month and we would appreciate your support be coming along to assist. They are usually, enjoyable and an opportunity to put something back to the river that provides so much pleasure. We will be carrying out work along the stretch from the top weir down to the Hatchgate bridge during the winter months. For the January working party please meet at the road bridge parking areas nearer the top weir, for February and March meet at the Hatchgate bridge parking area. Meeting at 9.00am on all occasions.
Working party dates are as follows :-
Saturday 6th January 2007
Saturday 3rd February 2007
Saturday 3rd March 2007
Membership is offered on the same basis as previous seasons, i.e. A fixed block of three days. The 2007 season application form is now on this website. Could we ask 2006 members to submit their completed application forms to our F&DAS Membership Secretary before mid March 2007, that way members from 2006 will have first refusal to rejoin should they wish, prior to considering applications from any new members. Should membership application exceed thirty members, a waiting list then applies.