So plans are afoot to install four ‘Archimedes’ Screw’ electricity generators at Sunbury Weir – and, not surprisingly, there is a good deal of opposition to the idea being expressed.
Nature
I found a zoo
My readers never cease to amaze me with their enthusiastic responses to this column. Last week, I wrote about the diversity of wildlife on our stretch of the Thames and ever since the paper came out, I’ve been bombarded with people telling me their stories about their encounters with wildlife.
Just where are the birds coming from?
It seems that many readers have also observed the huge flocks of birds swooping and wheeling over the river each morning and evening that were mentioned by Nigel Brecknell in Riverwatch a couple of weeks ago.
The signs of autumn
There are some sights that really bring home to me that autumn has arrived and winter can’t be far behind it – and one of those is seeing the huge flocks of rooks that wheel in acrobatic formations over the Thames mornings and evenings.
Memory frozen in time
Pictures of the frozen UK jogged a memory for one of my readers who now lives in Queensland, Australia.
Skating on thick ice
Amateur meteorologist Harry Kershaw from Manchester reckons this winter could be the coldest for 270 years and he says the Thames may freeze over. Judging from the weather over the last couple of weeks, he may not be too far out.
Missing eel is an enigma
I never cease to be amazed by the wonders of Mother Nature. Just when you think you understand her whys and wherefores, she does something completely unexpected. Take the population of eels inhabiting the River Thames, for example.
Stay away from the water
Several readers have contacted me following my article last week about the removal of trees and the proposed work to be carried out by the Environment Agency along the stretch of riverbank between Weybridge Ladies’ Rowing Club and D’Oyley Carte Island.
Why it’s bare on the bank
A few weeks back, I wrote an article highlighting the anger of a number of local people about the Environment Agency’s decision to cut down a lot of trees on the towpath of the Surrey bank of the Thames near Weybridge.
Derek’s treasure trove
Many readers will remember, with great affection, Herald and News columnist Derek Belsey who, for many years, provided us with words and pictures about his favourite obsession – birds.