River Diaries

Associated with wet, unimproved hay meadow habitat, this species is protected and classified as vulnerable due to significant declines driven by habitat loss. Fortunately, the Thames and surrounding floodplains continue to support nationally important populations. North Meadow National Nature Reserve at Cricklade alone holds around 80% of the UK’s native population, with additional strongholds at Ducklington and Iffley Meadows.

Flowering from mid-April to early May, it is also known as the hooded lily. This photograph was taken during a team site visit to a farm bordering the infant Thames at Ashton Keynes part of a growing citizen science and restoration programme of works in the area.

On the Upper Windrush, we’ve been adding leaky dams and berms to help slow the flow and reconnect the river to its floodplain.

These simple, nature-based solutions help reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and create better habitats for wildlife.

You can read more about our work here.

No single stretch of river in England or Northern Ireland is in good overall health.

Read more on river health here.

There are only 7000 Black Poplars left in the UK. The total loss of black poplar from our landscapes would impoverish the landscape and arboricultural history. Fortunately, you can read more about a pioneering tree planting project with the National Trust here.

Some mayflies (a type of riverfly) live for up to a year underwater as an immature nymph, but as winged adults, they only survive for approximately 24 hours.