Neve Bray Assistant Farm Environment Adviser Expand Neve joined FWAG SW in 2021, having graduated from Plymouth with an MSc in Land and Ecological Restoration. She has farming and conservation background, volunteering with private landowners and several charities, and is particularly interested in wetland restoration and British vertebrates. Neve assists the Dorset team with GIS mapping, Countryside Stewardship applications and is involved with several other projects across Dorset, including the Stour Headwaters and Piddle Valley. She also assists landowners to secure funding for environmental projects on their land.
Nicky Jameson Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Nicky (Nicola) joined FWAG in August 2023. Prior to that, Nicky spent 23 years working for Natural England and its predecessors. 19 years was spent in Gloucestershire working with landowners on agri-environment schemes such as Higher Level Stewardship and CS Higher Tier, including protected sites and commons and gaining experienced local knowledge of the County. For four years Nicky worked in Catchment Sensitive Farming in the Avon Warwickshire Catchment, part of the Severn River Basin, advising on water quality, soil health, farm infrastructure, wider land management and accessing funding to implement a wide range of on-farm measures.
Nicola Hopkins Senior Farm Environment Adviser and Dorset Team Leader Expand Nicola has worked in land management in Dorset for 15 years. Nicola has practical experience of the management of many semi-natural habitats through working as a reserve manager on Dorset’s National Nature Reserves, as well as a background in providing farmers with advice on agri-environment schemes and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Nicola has worked in partnership with a number of the organisations delivering projects to improve the environment in Dorset and Wiltshire, and acts as Team Leader for advisers in Dorset.
Oli Etherington Assistant Farm Environment Adviser Expand Oli joined FWAG SW in August 2023 to support the Hills to Levels delivery team - focusing on natural interventions that can help contribute to flood mitigation for Somerset, in the context of the whole catchment, whilst taking into account the many broader ecological, social, and economic considerations. Oli has an educational background in environmental chemistry and GIS, and brings professional experience in riverine habitat restoration, hydrological analysis, technical design, and construction projects.
Oliver Edmonds Farm Environment Adviser Expand Olly has recently joined FWAG SW as an assistant farm conservation adviser (maternity cover) . Olly principally works across Exmoor helping to deliver the Headwaters of the Exe project and the organisation of the Exmoor Coastal Streams Facilitation Fund group. Other work includes supporting senior advisers in delivering Countryside Stewardship and farm benchmarking workshops. Before joining FWAG SW, Olly worked as an ecologist undertaking habitat and species surveys across the south of England and Wales. He has worked in local and central government on agri-environment schemes in both delivery and policy roles.
Oliver Maskrey Farm Environment Adviser Expand Oliver works as a Farm Environment Adviser in Devon focusing on putting together Agri-Environment Scheme applications and communicating with our members across the county. Following completion of a Masters in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Exeter, he worked in various roles across the food and farming sectors before joining FWAG at the start of 2020 as a GIS and Advisory Support Officer working across the region.
Owl by Ted Hughes Expand Owl! Owl! A merry lad! When he thinks ‘Good!’ It comes out ‘Bad!’ The poor Mouse cries: ‘Please let me go!’ And Owl thinks ‘Yes’ But it comes out ‘No!’ OH NO! OH NO! OH NO! OH NO! HO HO! HO HO! HO HO! HO HO! ‘O rest your head, You silly fellow, Upon this lovely Feather pillow!’ from the collection ‘The Cat and the Cuckoo’
Peter Shipton Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Peter has recently joined FWAG SW and is currently working on Natural Flood Management projects in the Somerset Frome catchment and in Dorset, as well as providing a range of advice on farm infrastructure development, soil husbandry and farm regulatory compliance. He has a practical agricultural background and has provided farm advice for many years specialising in farm infrastructure, soil management, livestock and forage systems and farm business management. Peter has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Aberystwyth University and an Engineering Doctorate in Soil Mechanics from Cranfield University.
Rachel Leonard Farm Liaison Officer Expand Rachel is a Farm Liaison Officer on the Adapting The Levels project, working with farmers to increase their business resilience in the face of climate unpredictability. She has previous experience in the delivery of agri-environment schemes and farms 200 beef cattle in North Devon.
Ray (Wiltshire) (Lydiard brook to Thames) - GB106039023330 Catchment area 2,881 ha, length 10.3km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 2,881 ha, length 10.3km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description The River Ray rises in Wiltshire, at Wroughton, and runs in a northerly direction through west Swindon, reaching the River Thames to the west of Cricklade. The river generally has good form in terms of meanders although some sections have been straightened but it is a very flashy river. The flashy nature is exacerbated by the increasing urbanisation of Swindon and the clay-based soils. In 2013 this waterbody was classified as moderate under Water Framework Directive for water quality due to high levels of phosphates and ammonia but it failed for ecology due to poor for phytobenthos and macrophytes. In 2014 it also failed on chemical water quality due to Tributyltin Compounds. Although chemical quality and ammonia has subsequently improved Phosphates remain poor in 2016. Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023330 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Ray (Wiltshire) source to Lydiard Brook - GB106039023320 Catchment area 34.3km2, length 11.5km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 34.3km2, length 11.5km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description The waterbody is fed by the Vale of White Chalk catchment to the south, and it flows down into western Wroughton towards Mannington and Bridgemead in Swindon. It passes the residential areas of Kingshill, Even Swindon, Westmead and Rivermead, before joining the River Ray at Lydiard Brook. The stream flows directly past the Swindon Sewage Treatment Works at Blagrove, before feeding into Swindon Lagoons – a Wiltshire Wildlife Trust wetland consisting of 15 lagoons, reed beds, grassland and marshland (https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/swindon-lagoons-swindon). The river is mostly on clay formations (with Alluvium superficial deposits) Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023320 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Rebecca Mills Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Rebecca is an experienced adviser and has been delivering environmental advice to farmers with FWAG SW for over 15 years. She has a sound working knowledge of agri-environment schemes and the environmental aspects of Cross Compliance. Rebecca has been involved in various projects based around species and habitat conservation and protected landscapes as well as working with farmer producer groups to help them meet their environmental obligations. She benefits from a strong farming background, farming beef cattle and sheep with her husband in the Brendon Hills.
Richard Hollis Trainee Farm Environment Adviser Expand Richard joined FWAG SW in 2023 as a Trainee Farm Environment Adviser. He moved to Cornwall in 2010 to study ecology at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in Penryn before going on to complete a master’s degree, researching cooperative-breeding birds called Babblers in Australia. He’s been involved with several nature-based organisations including the RSPB, Species Recovery Trust and with FWAG SW as a volunteer. His interests include botany and ornithology and is excited to work closely with farmers and land managers in Cornwall to support them and the environment.
Rory Cox Farm Environment Adviser Expand Rory joined FWAG as a Farm Environment Adviser in February 2023 after working as a share farmer on a livestock farm in Somerset. He is principally working to deliver the Headwaters of the Exe project as well as coordinating the Farming with Nature project which supports farms to become more resilient to environmental challenges including soil health, water usage, biodiversity, and climate change. Rory has a master’s degree in Environmental Management and previously worked for WWF in Hong Kong.
Roy Hayes Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Roy works on the Hills to Levels project advising farmers and landowners on water management and water quality including design and location of Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes to reduce localised flooding. Roy can also give advice about farm infrastructure and land management changes.
Sabine McEwan Senior Farm Environment Adviser & Devon and Cornwall Team Leader Expand Sabine joined FWAG in 2014 as a Farm Environment Adviser. She offers advice on diffuse pollution issues, soil management, natural flood management, conservation and agri-environment schemes in Devon and co-ordinates FWAG SW’s advice and project delivery across Devon. Until spring 2020, Sabine mainly worked on the Hills to Levels approach, combining natural flood management with diffuse pollution mitigation, conservation and river restoration. Before joining FWAG, she was researching the effects of different grassland management on soil and water quality as part of her PhD with the University of Exeter and North Wyke (Rothamsted Research).
Sam Walker FWAG SouthWest Vice Chairman Expand Sam is a first-generation tenant farmer running a 140ha (350-acre) organic arable and beef farm on the Jurassic Coast of East Devon. He has a BSc from Harper Adams and previous jobs have included farm management in Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire and overseas development work in Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe. He spent several years teaching Agriculture at Duchy College and is an opinion writer for Farmers Weekly.
Sammy Read Farm Environment Adviser Expand Samantha joined FWAG in 2021 after 4 years as Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser. Her work includes setting up agri-environment schemes and providing advice around soil and water protection. The last few years in Devon she has focussed on helping dairy farms reduce phosphates through a variety of nutrient accounting techniques such as farm nutrient balances, farm nutrient loading and nutrient management plans. Samantha is BASIS Soil and Water and FACTS qualified.
Sarah Wells Senior Farm Environment Adviser Expand Sarah offers on farm advice on a range of topics including Countryside Stewardship schemes, environmental land management such as habitat creation, nutrient management planning (including NVZ regulations), resource protection and soils advice. For the past two years Sarah has also been involved in drawing up environmental plans for farms in order to satisfy environmental obligations set by retailers. She is experienced in a number of survey techniques and in producing digitised maps through the use of GIS software. Sarah coordinates a number of projects including the facilitation of Payments for Ecosystem services projects throughout the Upper Thames catchment, which focusses on responsible pesticide use and minimising the risk of pesticides reaching surface waters; and the Rest Assured project which aims to help farmers struggling with the complexities of regulation, and to help farms to access funding to support the farm business.
Share Ditch - GB106039023680 Catchment area 1,172 ha, length 5.5km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 1,172 ha, length 5.5km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description Share Ditch carries water north from Broad Blunsdon, past Lushill and up to the Thames east of Castle Eton. INSERT GEOLOGY Land use and designations The ditch is surrounded by agriculture (mainly arable). Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues This water course has been affected by sewerage discharge and the causes need addressing. Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023680 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Shrew by Ted Hughes Expand Shrill and astonishing the shrew Dashes through the early dew. He’s a famine on four feet: ‘Something to eat! Something to eat!’ His scream is thinner than a pin And hurts your ear when it goes in. And when he meets another shrew He doesn’t rear on hinder toes And nose to tender, waggling nose Gently ask: ‘How do you do?’ He draws a single, furious breath And fights the other to the death. from the collection ‘The Cat and the Cuckoo’
Simeon Day Regional Hedgerow, Orchard and Agroforestry Specialist Expand Simeon joined FWAG SW in February 2021 as Manager of the Hedgerow Conservation Project on the National Trust Killerton Estate near Exeter. Working with tenant farmers and the Trust’s ranger team the Green Recovery Challenge Fund project restored and created hedgerows across the 6,500 acre estate. Simeon has worked in the countryside management industry for over 25 years where his roles have taken him from tree surgery in Australia to installing forest school facilities in the South West, via managing Nature Reserves and leading team building events that deliver practical conservation projects for charities across the UK. As FWAG SW Regional Hedgerow, Orchard and Agroforestry Specialist Simeon provides advice and training across the region to advisers, farmers and organisations on the management of trees outside of woodlands. He leads the FWAG SW Tree Team. Simeon is Chair of Orchards Live, a charity working to save and replant traditional orchards and local apple varieties in Devon.
South Marston Brook - GB106039022910 Catchment area 1,231 ha, length 5.1km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 1,231 ha, length 5.1km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description WFD 2016 overall was Moderate status owing to bad phosphate from suspected transport drainage and sewage discharge, both of which are affecting the Macrophytes and Phytobenthos levels. The South Marsden Brook waterbody encompasses north-east Swindon from Groundwell, Stratton St Margaret to Nightingale Wood, including a substantial strip of the A419. The Brook itself runs to the south-east, from South Marsden Industrial estate, towards Burton Grove through mainly agriculture to Nightingale Wood where it joins the River Cole at Acorn End. The riverbed geology is predominantly sandstone, passing intermittent layers of clay. Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039022910 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Swill Brook (source to Ashton Keynes) - GB106039023700 Catchment area 6,867 ha, length 14.9km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 6,867 ha, length 14.9km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description The Swill Brook is spring fed from land to the north and west of Crudwell. It generally flows in an easterly direction through the parishes of Oaksey, Minety, Somerford Keynes, Ashton Keynes and Leigh before reaching the River Thames. The poor ecological status from 2010 to 2013 was probably due to natural low flows, signal crayfish and physical modification. A river habitat survey was conducted in October 2013 (1) as part of the WILD project. The channel has been subject to extensive dredging in the past and low summer flows are exacerbated by the widened channel and embankments. The ecology is also constrained by over-shading on the banks which inhibits the natural regeneration to the original size. The extensive shading has encouraged the undercutting and slow destabilising of the southern bank in some areas in the Minety and Somerford Keynes parishes. The land either side of the brook is largely agricultural (semi improved sheep pasture and arable) with some angling and minerals businesses and holiday homes and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve/SAC that is Clattinger Farm. There is no significant buffer zone however it is protected from the livestock. Surrounding land regularly floods and although there is limited risk to villages or urban areas there are some individual houses and farms at high risk of flooding. Flora Species noted in autumn included species notes include Branched Bur-reed, Purple-loosestrife, Reed Sweet Grass, Reed Canary Grass, Jointed Rush Juncus articulates, Bulbous Rush, Yellow water-lily, Marsh Woundwort, Hemlock Water-dropwort, Pink Water Speedwell, Bogbean and Marsh pennywort. Fauna Grass snake observed. Fish noted during low water levels included Dace, Minnow and odd Perch and Bullhead. There were signs of Otter along the entire river and Water Vole where shading was reduced. Riparian habitat birds have been recorded (such as Kingfisher, Grey wagtail, Grey Heron, Mallard, Cetti's Warbler and Willow Warbler) and species more typical of pasture, hedgerows and woodland including, Wrens, Chiffchaffs, Song Thrush , Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat Bullfinch Goldcrest, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch Sparrowhawk, Starling, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie and Rook. Main conclusions Overall the Swill Brook through Oaksey, Ashton Keynes and Leigh parishes is of significant ecological value for its linear scrub & pond habitat, although the value of these habitats is limited by the severe low flows during the summer. The annual drying up of the channel means the river will only ever be suitable to species able to cope with the frequently dry conditions. This lack of water during the summer and early autumn means that the river is unlikely to reach good ecological status for fish for many years without significant restoration. Oaksey (March 2016) Ashton Keynes Parish, March 2016. Leigh Parish (March 2016), Mintey Parish (February 2016), Somerford Keynes (January 2016) Water Framework Directive 2016 Cycle 2 overall status now Moderate, including a Bad classification for Dissolved Oxygen (previously bad). http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023700 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Thames (Churn to Coln) - GB106039022990 Catchment area 36.8km2, length 22.2km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 36.8km2, length 22.2km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description Since 2013 this waterbody has been failing for ecology under Water Framework Directive for water quality due to high levels of phosphates and phytobenthos, largely due to sewage discharge a point source of pollution with some additional contribution from agricultural sources (diffuse pollution). The waterbody flows north easterly direction from Cricklade, under the A419, through largely rural farming areas, skirting north of Castle Eaton, and south of Kempsford and joins the River Coln after Inglesham village. The Thames is fed by several other waterbodies along this stretch, increasing in discharge and flow. The riverbed geology remains clay for its length, with superficial deposits of silt and Land use and designations Land use towards Lechlade is cattle and sheep grazing and arable crops. The public have access along the Thames path follows large section of the course of the river from Cricklade to Castle Eaton. Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive WFD 2016 (cycle 2) overall status ‘Moderate’, failing on phosphates (Poor), macrophytes and phytobenthos and dissolved oxygen (both Moderate). http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039022990 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Thames (Kemble to Waterhay Bridge) - GB106039023760 Catchment area 48.6km2, length 13.7km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified Expand Catchment area 48.6km2, length 13.7km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody Description The river is aquifer supplied in the Jurassic Limestone area of the southern Cotswolds. Its reactive flashy nature results in high seasonal flow variations. The top spring appears at Trewsbury Farm with additional springs adding to form an obvious river in woodland within the Kemble Parish. There is a gauging station after the village of Ewan. It flows through open pasture becoming progressively more shaded in a largely uniform channel. There are modified sections through the parishes of Kemble, Pool Keynes and Somerford Keynes where the channel splits and the original channel has been straightened, reducing the length and capacity. The bulk of water flows through a mill leat channel, modified since 1980 to become straight and uniform, above the lowest slope point to supply several mills. Along with seasonal drying, the modifications have further reduced the natural flow levels and the ecological value. There are some natural meandering sections and woodland through Neigh Bridge Country Park. In Ashton Keynes, the river runs along the high street with sharp turns. There has been extensive channel modification with straightening, enlargement, and embankments to prevent flooding. Several small bridges cross the channel here and small weirs hold water at low flows. The river flows into the Leigh Parish joining Swill Brook at Waterhay bridge, becoming more permanent and flowing on towards Cricklade. Land use and designations Land use through Kemble and Pool Keynes parishes is largely semi-improved pasture with some woodland and bankside hedgerows. The land is owned by Bathurst Estate, livestock farmers and small holdings. Public access includes the Thames path (184 miles source to Woolwich) and Sustrans Cycle route. The Thames and Severn Way canal runs through the catchment and over the river and the dismantled railway also crosses the river by Kemble. Around Ashton Keynes gravel pits have been converted to recreational lakes many of which are surrounded by second homes. The Neigh Bridge Country park is managed by Cotswold Water Park Trust and land is managed for general amenity at the Lower Mills Estate holiday complex. There is no significant flood risk for Kemble, Ewan and Pool Keynes. Somerford Keynes is in the floodplain, and a flood alleviation scheme, with various embankments, channel realignment and a floodwall, was constructed in the late 1990’s. Ashton Keynes is also in the floodplain; a channel diverts some water away from the village to a gravel pit and surrounding properties are at risk from surface water flooding. A weir upstream of Ashton Keynes also diverts some water to Swill Brook. Flora Emergent vegetation at the source to Somerford Keynes, included Fool’s water Cress, Lesser water-parsnip and Water Crowfoot. In Ashton Keynes also Branched Bur-reed, Bulrush, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet Grass, Water-starwort, Common Club-rush (Bulrush), Water Plantain, Branched Bur-reed, Tufted Hair Grass, Water forget-me-not, Watermint and Meadowsweet. Fauna From source to Somerford Keynes water levels are too low to provide habitat for significant fish. The Thames is known to have a reasonable fish species range of largely coarse fish including chub, dace, perch, roach, minnow, bullhead, pike and occasional trout particularly downstream of Ashton Keynes. Signs of otter and water vole were recorded throughout the Pool Keynes to Ashton Keynes stretches. The following bird species were recorded: Kingfisher, grey wagtail, dunnock and song thrush (red listed) species and typical hedgerow and pasture birds and some riparian species such as pied wagtail, heron, and mallard. Main conclusions Overall the Thames through Kemble Pool Keynes and Somerford Keynes parishes is of significant ecological value but more for its linear scrub & tree habitat temporal habitat rather than a typical river habitat. There is also an important linear pond habitat in Ashton Keynes. The annual drying up of the channel above Ashton Keynes means this section of river will only ever be suitable to species able to cope with the frequently dry conditions such as sticklebacks or micro-crustacea. Water with Integrated Local Delivery (WILD) Project, River Thames Management Plans Kemble Parish (December 2015) Pool Keynes Parish, (February 2016) Somerford Keynes Parish (January 2016) Ashton Keynes Parish (March 2016), Leigh Parish (March 2016) In Cycle 1 the waterbody failed for ecology under fish from 2009 and dissolved oxygen levels in 2014. due to naturally low flows, poor morphology, urban modifications, and presence of signal crayfish. It was however reclassified as good in 2015. In 2016 Cycle 2 it was failing again for ecology due to poor dissolved oxygen status. http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023760 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Thames (Waterhaybridge to Cricklade) and Chelworth Brook - GB106039022960 Catchment area 1,089 ha, length 6.6km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 1,089 ha, length 6.6km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description From Waterhay the river flows in a north easterly direction passing the edge of Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve and Hailstone Hill before turning sharply and continuing in a south easterly direction under the Wilts & Berk Canal past North Meadow National Nature Reserve (Speical Area of Conservation). It then skirts past the northern edge of Cricklade before passing under the A419 road. The landowners and tenants next to the river include quarry operators, Natural England, farmers, a livery yard, private residents, the Town Council and Thames Water. Other interested groups include the Upper Thames Protections Society and the Cricklade Court Leet. North Meadow is a part of the North Meadow and Clattinger Farm Special Area of Conservation and is designated for its very important lowland haymeadow plant community (including the nationally important population of Snakeshead Fritillary. The River Churn (Baunton to Cricklade waterbody) runs down the northern edge and this waterbody along the southern edge and the plant community is very dependent on both the hydrological regime between the rivers and the long-term management of hay cutting and autumn/winter grazing. The bank is damaged in places by cattle accessing the river and where fenced there is little buffer. Poaching is a major source of sediment pollution in the river. Around Cricklade the public who also have access to the watercourse and this has caused some damage to banks in places (a lesser cause of sediment pollution). There is a relatively high risk of flooding due to the low level of the land and natural floodplain, but the town of Cricklade itself is at low risk. Flora The river has the common flora assemblage (see below) with no species of major significance noted. Species included Branched Bur-reed, Bulrush, Fools water-cress, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet Grass, Water-starwort, Common Club-rush (Bulrush), Water Plantain, Branched Bur-reed, Tufted Hair Grass, Water forget-me-not, Water mint and Meadow sweet. Fauna The Thames is known to have a reasonable fish species range of largely coarse fish including Chub, Dace, Perch, Roach, Minnow, Bullhead and Pike and occasional Trout particularly downstream of Ashton Keynes. Common coarse fish were present around Cricklade but it is likely that brown trout would find the river too sluggish and silty most of the year. Signal crayfish are known to be present. In a September 2014 survey in the Leigh parish (1) Otter signs were present along quieter areas and water vole signs were also noted, including very high densities at Waterhay Farm. The River Thames was surveyed for Water Vole by the Cotswold Water Park Trust in October 2015 and there were signs and observations between North Meadow and Cricklade. Bird species more typical of hedgerows and woodland were noted and Little Egret and Kingfisher (Amber listed species) and Song Thrush (red listed species) in the Leigh parish. Main conclusions of the WILD parish report Overall the rivers through Cricklade parish are of significant ecological value but the water quality and river habitat has been degraded due to bank damage and sediment inflows. The river and the surrounding land would need significant works to improve both water quality and habitat of the river and bring it up to good ecological status. WILD Project, Rivers Management Plan, Cricklade Parish (October 2015), Leigh Parish (March 2016) From 2009 to 2013 (Cycle 1) this waterbody was classified as poor under Water Framework Directive for ecology as the fish abundance and species range was found to be poor. The reasons for this failure were known or suspected to be over-predation by signal crayfish, natural low flows, land drainage and physical modification. It achieved Good status in under Cycle 2 in 2013 and 2015. Water Framework Directive 2016 (cycle 2) overall status Moderate (for macrophytes and phytobenthos and dissolved oxygen) http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039022960 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
The overall Cornwall Kingfisher 2021 WINNER IS... Expand Probus You can view Probus' winning SWAY presentation by clicking here...
The overall Devon Kingfisher 2021 WINNER IS... Expand Awliscombe Primary School You can download Awliscombe Primary School's winning presentation by clicking here...
The overall Somerset Kingfisher 2021 WINNER IS... Expand Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary School You can watch Crowcombe and Stogumber Primary School's winning video below:
The overall Wiltshire Kingfisher 2021 WINNER IS... Expand The judges had so much trouble in trying to work out which was the winning school that they decided they had to have two joint winners this year! The joint winners are... Wardour and Wilton You can view Wardour's winning SWAY by clicking here... You can download Wilton's winning presentation by clicking here...
The Twilight White Owl by Ted Hughes Expand To see the twilight white Owl wavering over the dew-mist Startles my heart, a mouse in its house, remembering a dim past When we were only the weight of shrews, maybe, and everything ate us In a steaming, echoing jungle of night-flying alligators, And the dawn-chorus shook the swamps, a booming orchestra Where Brontosaurs were merely the flutes, and land-whales beat on the drum of the ear – It has all sunk into the fern-fringed forest pool of the Owl’s eye, But it reaches over the farm like a claw in the Owl’s catspaw cry. The Owl sways, weighing the hushed world, his huge gaze dry and light As a blown dandelion clock, or the moon-husk of the oldest night. from the collection ‘What is the truth?’
Thomas Mansfield Senior Farm Environment Adviser and Woodland Specialist Expand Tom joined FWAG South West in 2016, working his way from assistant to senior adviser in Somerset. As a senior adviser, Tom has worked on a wide range of projects with a focus on the Quantock Hills, where he ran the local facilitation fund and helped deliver the E.L.M.S Test and Trial. Tom continues to work with Farmers in this area and around Somerset to promote nature recovery and sustainable land management. A previous career and qualifications in ecology has given Tom a passion for British wildlife and the natural world. Over the years this has developed into a specialism around habitat creation and management including woodland and heathlands.
Thornhill Ditch and tributaries at Cotswold Water Park - GB106039029760 Catchment area 26.1km2, length 3.4km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 26.1km2, length 3.4km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description WFD 2016 overall classified as Moderate, failing for dissolved oxygen and disrupted hydrological regime. The Ditch catchment extends from Hatherop (near Quenington), past Macaroni Woods, running west of Fairford. The upper reaches of the ditch lies dry for some of the year, with annual flow only found from the A417 to the lakes at Claydon. The flow confluences with the river Coln to the west of Lechlade before flowing into the River Thames. The soil is predominantly Cotswold brash and clay; this is a more impermeable layer which makes up a large proportion of the underlying geology. Land use and designations The Ditch is mainly surrounded by mixed farming using both organic and conventional techniques. Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039029760 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Thrush by Ted Hughes Expand The speckled Thrush With a cheerful shout Dips his beak in the dark And lifts the sun out. Then he calls to the Snails: ‘God’s here again! Close your eyes for prayers While I sing Amen. ‘And after Amen Rejoice! Rejoice!’ Then he scoops up some dew And washes his voice. from the collection ‘The Cat and the Cuckoo’
Tom Shopland Natural Flood Management Community Adviser Expand Tom works as a Natural Flood Management Community Adviser in Somerset on the Hills to Levels project to reduce localised flooding. Following completion of a Masters in Ecological Design Thinking from Schumacher College, he has worked as a public engagement specialist for a landscape architect, enabling public participation in place planning.
Tuckmill Brook and tributaries - GB106039022920 Catchment area 26.2km2, length 12km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 26.2km2, length 12km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description WFD 2016 overall is Poor, failing for phosphate from probable sewage point source pollution. Rising in Idstone and Ashbury, two streams flow northerly towards Stainswick, winding through agricultural fields before passing the Great Western railway to reach east Shrivenham. It flows to the south of Watchfield and joins the river Cole at Bower Bridge. The geology is chalk in the upper reaches, flowing over bands of sandstone and clay before reaching limestone before its confluence. Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039022920 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Waterloo Ditch (East of Coleshill) - GB106039022950 Catchment area 9.9km2, length 5.3km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 9.9km2, length 5.3km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description This small waterbody begins up at The Coxwells, flowing through arable fields towards Coleshill where it joins the River Cole at Bower Bridge. These upper sections of the Ditch are on sandstone/mudstone formations flowing onto Oxford clay in the lower reaches. Land use and designations Mixed arable and livestock farming. Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive WFD 2016 overall classified as Moderate, failing for phosphate levels possibly from Agriculture. http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039022950 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page
Weasel II by Ted Hughes Expand Every creature in its own way Mistakes the Weasel For somebody else – too late. The Weasel’s white chest Is the pretty pinafore of the waitress Who brings the field-vole knife and fork. The Weasel’s black ripe eyes Brim with a heady elderberry wine That makes the Rat drunk. The Weasel’s fully-fashioned coat, Lion-colour, wins her admittance To the club of snobby goslings. When the Weasel dances her belly dance Brainless young buck rabbits Simpering, go weak at the knees. When the Weasel laughs Even the Mole sees the joke And rolls in the aisles, helpless. from the collection ‘What is the truth?’
Westrop Brook - GB106039023711 Catchment area 3.2km2, length 3.2km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Expand Catchment area 3.2km2, length 3.2km. Not designated artificial or heavily modified. Waterbody description WFD 2016 overall classified as Moderate due to failing for Ammonia and Phosphate from probable sewage discharge (point source). The catchment collects water from the residential areas of north Highworth, running north through arable field to join the Bydemill Brook at Upper Inglesham. This ditch makes up a proportion of the physical border between Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. The geology is all Oxford clay formation for its entire length. Land use and designations Flora and Fauna Conclusions and issues Water Framework Directive http://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039023711 Click here to go back to the main waterbodies information page