Stories from the river
RIVER NEVIS
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The boulder-strewn River Nevis winds under Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, in Lochabar.The river arises in the Mamores mountains east of Ben Nevis and flows through Glen Nevis to Fort William and its mouth at Loch Linnhe, a sea loch, to meet the estuary of the River Lochy.Following heavy rainfall, the river thunders at full pelt; in summer, it meanders idly along its course.
RIVER CONWY
NORTH WALES
Near the village of Betws-y-Coed at the gateway to Snowdonia, the River Conwy dashes though a verdant, ferny gorge known as Ffos Noddyn (deep ditch), or Fairy Glen in English. This image captures the ethereal atmosphere of this rushing water – you can almost hear the roar. Unsurprisingly, it is a favourite stretch of river for canoeists who fancy a challenge.
RIVER WENSUM
NORFOLK
A paddleboarder skims along this East Anglian chalk stream, a wonderful way to see the fish and other creatures that thrive in these crystal-clear waterways. The Wensum’s pure waters eventually flow into Norfolk Broads National Park.
RIVER SOAR
EUROPEAN EEL
Constant travellers, European eels migrate in search of nutrient-rich estuaries, canals and lowland rivers, such as Leicestershire’s River Soar. Eels hatch in the Sargasso Sea, north of the Caribbean, making their way to our estuaries as larvae. After several years, adult eels journey back to Sargasso to spawn.
RIVER THET
OTTERS
These charismatic mammals are secretive yet are found on most British rivers where fish numbers remain high. Your best chance to see them is at dawn or dusk. Approach the riverbank quietly and remain still, keeping your eyes peeled for any movement on the surface. Listen out for their thin, whistling calls, too.
Nature News
Stories from the river
New woodlands for our waterways
A new project – ‘Woodlands for Water’ – is offering farmers and landowners financial incentives to plant and manage trees along rivers and watercourses.
The Riverscapes partnership, which comprises The Rivers Trust, National Trust, Woodland Trust and Beaver Trust, hopes to create 3,150 hectares of trees in six river catchment areas, from Cornwall to Cumbria, by March 2025. theriverstrust.org
Clawing back
The white-clawed crayfish – one of the UK’s most endangered native species – has been given a fresh chance of survival thanks to a newly created refuge on Wallington Estate in Northumberland. Up to 100 of these omnivorous crustaceans will be moved to an old cattle drinking hole, where, it’s hoped, they will breed. nationaltrust.org.uk
Beaver boost
A second family of beavers has been moved to the Argaty Red Kites centre in Perthshire, reinforcing the family of five already relocated there last autumn. “Beavers can play an important role in helping to restore biodiversity and respond to the climate emergency in Scotland,” says NatureScot’s head of wildlife management Donald Fraser. Their dams help improve water quality, and create rich wetlands that benefit other species, such as invertebrates and fish. beavertrust.org
ID guide
Flora of the riverbank
The long, balmy days of late spring trigger the vigorous growth of riverside grasses, plants and trees. Here are 12 species to look out for on your next walk By Kevin Parr
1. COMMON REED
Phragmites australis
Growing more than two metres tall over vast areas, this forms vital habitat for invertebrates, warblers and rare birds such as bitterns. It tolerates brackish water but struggles in high acidity.
2. HEMP AGRIMONY
Eupatorium cannabinum
Also known as holy rope, its mauve flowers are clustered in racemes and appear in late summer, attracting butterflies in particular. It is used traditionally in European medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent.
3. WATER MINT
Mentha aquatica
Common, widespread and often smelt before seen, this is popularly cultivated and used for infusions and essential oils. The oval leaves and tiny purple flowers are distinct.
4. YELLOW FLAG
Irispseudacorus
Its striking yellow flowers make the yellow flag popular as an ornamental plant. Often cited as an indicator species, iris beds form vital habitats for the elusive corncrake in western Scotland.
5. ALDER
Alnusglutinosa
This pioneer species thrives in poor-quality soil, which it improves for other plants. Alder hardens like rock when submerged and was used in the construction of crannogs (island dwellings built by ancient humans).
6. COMMON BULRUSH
Typha latifolia
Also known as reedmace, the bulrush is fast-growing and vigorous, with distinctive brown cigar seed heads tipped by buff flowers. The rhizomes are foraged for food but are susceptible to water pollution.
7. COMMON CLUB RUSH
Schoenoplectruslacustris
Commonly found beside slow rivers and marshland, with thin, tapering stems and submerged leaves. The flowers are small spikes of brown and emerge from the top of the stalk.
8. HEMLOCK WATER DROPWORT
Oenanthecrocata
All parts of this common and deadly plant are poisonous if ingested. Its nefarious use in Sardinia, and the facial expression of poisoned victims, is believed to have led to the term ‘sardonic grin’.
9. MEADOWSWEET
Filipendula ulmaria
A favourite flower of Elizabeth I, the creamy dollops of meadowsweet are a sign and smell of late summer. This widespread plant has a delicate flavour that has long been used in homeopathy, medicine and cooking.
10. MARSH BEDSTRAW
Galiumpalustre
Widespread in wetland habitats, this delicate, slightly spindly perennial has small, bright white flowers. It is one of many species of bedstraw, so called because it was once used to stuff mattresses.
11. WHITE WILLOW
Salix alba
One of several common willow species, the white willow is familiar due to its long, slim leaves that glisten in silvery white. The hybrid Salix alba ‘Tristis’ is known for its long, ‘weeping’ branches.
12. PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE
Lythrumsalicaria
Tall and striking with red-purple stalks and similar hued flowers, this often grows in dense clumps and attracts pollinating insects. Used traditionally as a treatment for gastric ailments.
Kit for sunny days on the water
SEVYLOR THREE-PERSON TAHITI PLUS INFLATABLE KAYAK
Easily inflated in minutes and folding into its own backpack, this kayak is the epitome of freedom. Ideal for sheltered inland waters, it is surprisingly manoeuverable if fitted with a skeg (keel). £190, gooutdoors.co.uk
PAPER HAT WITH BLUE TRIM
Keep cool by the water with this classic summer hat, made with lightweight and durable natural paper. £15, nationaltrust.co.uk
RAPID EYEWEAR CATCH PRO FLY FISHING SUNGLASSES
By removing the sun’s glare, these glasses allow you to see into the hidden world underwater – and it’s a revelation. Mostly used by anglers, these are ideal for fish-spotting and general riverbank daydreaming. £37.99, rapideyewear.co.uk
Did you know?
220 miles is the length of Britain’s longest river. Rising in the Cambrian Mountains, the River Severn courses through Wales and England for 220 miles – which is more than half a million steps.
Top five…
River festivals and events
Grab your sun hat and head for the water this summer for boat races, music, local food and more.
LEICESTER RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL 4–5 June Leicester’s free waterside festival held on the banks of the glittering River Soar includes a narrow-boat rally, boat trips and the chance to view and buy work from local artists at Art on the River. visitleicester.info
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA 28 June–3 July Six days, 300 races and over 300,000 spectators – it’s no surprise this event has been dubbed the most prestigious regatta in the world. Expect Champagne, canapés and summer vibes. Tickets on sale 3 May. hrr.co.uk
BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL 23–24 July There’s something for everyone at this summer festival beside the River Great Ouse, including raft and dragon-boat races, a watersports arena and a fun fair; free entry. riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk
MONMOUTH RAFT RACE 4 September Fancy building your own raft and racing down the River Wye for charity? The 6.5-mile paddle starts at Monmouth Rowing Club and finishes at Whitebrook, where there’s a family festival; £50 per raft. monmouthraftrace.com
RIVER NESS 5K/10K 2 October Open to runners of all ages and abilities, including wheelchair and pushchair users, this 5K follows a flat, scenic route along the beautiful River Ness from Bught Park into the heart of Inverness; £12 to enter. lochnessmarathon.com