 For many, the Itchen Valley evokes a landscape of crystal clear chalk rivers and streams turning this way and that, of a patchwork of watercress beds and grassy meadows and summer wildflowers, of dragonfly fluttering in the wind and kingfisher fleeting low over the water, and of playful otter and water vole.
In The Worthys we are privileged to live so close to such a nature-rich river landscape – certainly one of the finest.
On a recent work-outing on Nuns Walk with the Worthys Conservation Volunteers, one of our members reported having just spotted a kingfisher – although quite unmistakable small bright blue and orange birds, it certainly takes a keen eye to spot one as they move so fast and low over the water and do not like to be troubled by intruders.
Several years ago a kingfisher landed on an overhanging branch at Abbots Mill right in front of me and perched there for several minutes, although I had my camera I dared not move as I knew it would be off in flash – I haven’t seen one since but they are quite frequent along the river.
In late March/early April they will lay their eggs in nest tunnels not much wider than the bird itself, the chicks hatching in 20 or so days, leaving the nest four to six weeks later.
 Another river bird that always fascinates me is the little egret, maybe because it’s a relative new-comer to the area.
Its snow-white plumage and long black bill clearly identify it in amongst the river and riverbanks, or perched high in a tree, or even in the middle of a grass meadow.
Indeed, as you head into Winchester from Kings Worthys quite often a little egret can be seen feeding in the streams around St Swithun’s church, and the local watercress beds are another popular site especially where hidden from the local traffic.
I read in the papers the arrival of this large bird from the continent is a sign of climate change; whatever, it’s still a joy to see.
The native water vole is another favourite water-dwelling creature.
Once common, the water vole is now making a strong comeback to our local waterways after a lengthy period of decline.
This flat nosed, short eared, chestnut brown, little furry mammal is a great rummager amongst the vegetation of the river banks, and of course a natural swimmer too.
 They live in burrows in the river banks similar to the picture shown – I was sure I saw a little snout and two small black eyes just for a moment when I took this.
They are somewhat timid little things, but can be spotted during the day.
The otter is also resurgent, and has recently been spotted at St Swithun’s.
These are nocturnal animals; although an hour before dark is a good time to spot one.
During the day they like to lie up in holes such as under tree roots, which are called Holts.
The other main native water mammal is the water shrew.
They have black fur above, with grey to black fur underneath, a longish snout with whiskers, and a long tail.
Rivers, streams and pools are popular habitats for dragonfly and damselfly.
A large brightly coloured insect, dragonflies have a wingspan of up to 10 cm (4 inch).
They hold their clear-scaled wings open at rest, when you will notice their huge eyes and head!
They are quite a common garden visitor too – they may seem menacing and threatening, but are completely harmless.
 Common hawker and southern hawker (photo) are two species most common to the area.
Last year whilst out and about, I met a local dragonfly enthusiast who told me that dragonflies are on the move heading northwards; yet another sign of climate change, and even at a local level evidence of this can be found – one to find out more about.
In contrast damselflies are much smaller, generally rest their wings shut on the top of the body, and easier to photograph as they tend to settle more frequently.
 Watch out for banded demoiselle (photo) and southern damselfly which is an internationally rare species.
Our local chalk rivers, streams and reed beds have a rich and distinctive plant life.
Purple loosestrife, yellow iris, orange balsam, marsh valerian, ragged-robin, marsh-marigold and meadowsweet to name just a few, host to butterflies and other insects.
The river and its banks are used by birds such as mallard, tufted duck, wigeon and gadwall, and the reed beds dominated by tall grasses amongst which reed and sedge warblers and other birds breed.
Wetlands and even our garden ponds are of course host to many wildlife species, and we should all do our bit to ensure these remain healthy and vibrant places for wildlife.
Conservation work has been ongoing for several years to improve the habitat at St Swithun’s, recently clearing the banks of invasive nettle, putting up nest boxes, observing moths, etc.
Finally, we are already seeing evidence of climate change as new species arrive to our area, which although very exciting, is somewhat disturbing for the protection of our existing wildlife and habitats.
Bruce Graham |
