THE long, hot summer of 1995 and chilly winter of 1996 have been interesting for those who love rivers and their wildlife.

I am writing these notes on the first day of spring, which feels still to be in the depths of winter.

During the summer I spent some time along the Ribble Valley with temperatures in the high 80s.

Around Edisford Bridge hundreds of people were enjoying paddling and picnics.

Parking spaces were at a premium. Less than half a mile along the footpath I watched a Kingfisher feeding two well-grown young and a grey wagtail was incubating a clutch of eggs on the side of the bank.

Children were fishing for "tiddlers" and discovered many mayfly larvae.

These aquatic insects are distinguished by having three tails and are a sign of clean water. What a contrast I found during early March when I walked along the River Ribble near Sawley and watched ducks feeding among great patches of ice which have been typical of the last winter.

Just under the bridge I saw a kingfisher.

This led me to thinking about just how tough our wildlife can be.

In the summer, kingfishers looked happy in the heat of the day and with lots of people about.

In the winter the kingfisher was busy feeding by diving into the icy cold water and avoiding the ice-floes.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.