Podcast: Ramble on, episode 4: the lost River Peck of London, part 2
Garrett Fallon continues to trace the path of the lost River Peck through Peckham Rye Park as it meanders its way through a vibrant ecosystem and a rich history.
Garrett Fallon continues to trace the path of the lost River Peck through Peckham Rye Park as it meanders its way through a vibrant ecosystem and a rich history.
Join Kevin Parr as he takes us on a short stroll to a lake next to his cottage, that nestles deep in a valley in Dorset, and listen as he talks us through the local flora and fauna he encounters on his way (click on the orange button below). Fallon’s Angler · Ramble On Episode …
NEW PODCAST: Ramble on: episode 1. the lake at the end of the lane, by Kevin Parr Read More »
“Bring your coarse fishing gear!” read the text message. Three hours later Rick arrived, caught late on that devourer of Bank Holiday time, the A21, with wife, three children and sizeable dog in tow. They were visiting our little coastal bolt hole for the afternoon. I myself was visiting it for the weekend so that …
Were I not to be reflecting upon the past month then I might not have realised how long it is since I cast a line. In fact, now that I stop and consider the fact, it seems I have spent fewer hours fishing since the opening day of the season than I did on the …
March 15th and another chapter closed, the book back high on the shelves for now, out of reach unless I stand on the tackle box that is on holiday in the back of the shed, any maggots within slowly turning to flies. If they’re lucky they might see daylight, if I get around to cleaning …
I spent a few hours yesterday wandering the heath and bog of Wareham Forest. I heard my first cuckoo of the year, found lizards basking and lost an hour listening to the lamenting song of the woodlark. In the thick of the bog was a dark, peaty pond, reed-lined and slightly rank. A sedge warbler tchked …
Every morning in early spring, a gaggle of birders gather near the Cumbrian lake of Haweswater, clutching telescopes and gazing anxiously at the skyline. They are here to catch a glimpse of a male golden eagle displaying. Since 2004, when his 28 year old mate disappeared, England’s last golden eagle has displayed in vain for …
A point Fishpool has already laboured in this Issue, is that we live in a world where too many species are in decline or endangered – often at the hand of Man. So let us celebrate a success story of the past twenty years. The red kite (milvus milvus) was once widespread in Britain, and …
Autumn is coming and with it the hedgerows and woods begin to quieten. Most songbirds will keep their beaks shut until spring, though one exception is the robin, whose voice we hear all through the darker months. Unlike many species, the robin (Erithacus rubecula) remains fiercely territorial throughout the year. They will normally keep different …
Should you be planning an early season barbel fishing trip with your recently acquired split cane rod, then make sure you pack the right avocet in your holdall. Those drowsy early hours can cause confusion but finding an avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) in your bag when you get to the riverbank will likely lessen your chances …
Though a couple of poor breeding seasons have checked their number, the recent success of the buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a true feather in the cap of tolerance and conservation. Now our most common raptor, the buzzard breeds in every British county, meaning any fishing trip (other than on the open sea) may be blessed …
When fishing for the shy-biting crucian (see Fish we Like) one issue facing the angler is finding a float sensitive enough to register the tiniest of plucks. With the spread of the buzzard across the country (see Things we Like part 1 (above)), a walk in the woods can throw up the perfect quill. A …
Anyone trundling west along the A303 will have seen the signs for The Hawk Conservancy Trust. A few miles west of Andover, the Trust is now over 50 years old, and also supports the National Bird of Prey Hospital. The daily flying displays have to be seen to be believed, and the Trust’s support and …
Admittedly, if you get within ten yards of a singing nightingale then the hairs on the back of your neck do actually stand on end, but no song lifts the soul quite like a blackbirds’. The notes are lazy and yet so rich in tone, and they’re not so rare that you have to escape …