Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

ALTHOUGH the weather has turned a bit cooler in recent days the spell of hot weather which preceded it has brought nature to its late springtime best.

I enjoyed several strolls alongside the banks of the River Ribble and the white flowers of the Water Crowfoot were beginning to dominate the still shallow stretches.

The kingfisher and dragonflies, which are being surveyed at the moment, were seen at Sawley, Gisburn Bridge, Chatburn, Ribchester and at Hacking Hall, the latter being at the confluence of the Ribble and the Lancashire Calder.

There is evidence that many herons have now completed their breeding cycle and are starting to disperse.

After the rigours of the winter and the breeding period they can now enjoy the leisure of a summer spent eating and sleeping. It sounds like our own summer holidays doesn't it?

Another creature which is being surveyed at the moment is the water vole thought in some areas to be nearing extinction because of pollution, loss of habitat and the presence of mink.

I'm pleased to say that I have seen water voles at Worston, Bolton-by-Bowland and Slaidburn which proves that Lancashire's wildlife is impressive and varied.

June and July are always fruitful months in the countryside and this is reflected in the 'Spy' records of this week.

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