A global rarity, Herts’ chalk streams are threatened by increasingly dry seasons and housing development. Our water demands could be deadly
Towards the end of last year I took a walk along the river Gade near Water End. Recent heavy snow had turned the countryside white, while the flowing river sparkled in the winter sunshine. From the footbridge I realised that the water was very shallow, barely enough for a game of Poohsticks, which we used to enjoy here when my children were younger. I heard a kingfisher’s call – a rapid song reminiscent in tone of a squeaky toy – and soon spotted it perched on a twig overhanging the water, its bright turquoise back distinct against the snow. It seemed not to notice me, sometimes diving into the water and returning to its perch with a fish in its long bill, sometimes flying, low and straight, over the water to another perch.
A chalk stream sparkling in the sun, perhaps with a sighting of its resident kingfisher, is a classic Hertfordshire scene. Rivers like the Gade, Ver, Mimram and Beane are fed by springs arising from water (the aquifer) in the underlying chalk. They shaped much of the county’s landscape and the mills they once supported were essential to the local economy. There are 161 chalk streams in England, 85 per cent of the world’s total, renowned for the rich variety of wildlife they support, including rare and declining species like water vole and brown trout.
Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week