Riff Raff Diary May 2018

Published on: 14 May, 2018
Updated on: 13 May, 2018

Riff Raff Cottage and Weir

Riverbank tales from the local St Catherine’s lengthsman and weir keeper

by Robert Craig

It was a wet start to April and therefore the painting I had planned to carry out has had to be put on hold for the time being due to the damp conditions; very different to last year when I was able to get the job done without any wet weather to hinder me.

As usual at this time of year the vegetation is putting on a lot of growth so the focus has been on mowing and strimming.

So far I have been concentrating on the narrow sections of towpath in Guildford as well as the lock sides and moorings at St Catherine’s and Millmead, which have both been cut twice during the past month.

The bright yellow marsh marigolds are looking a picture at the moment, particularly in Bog Meadow just downstream of St Catherine’s lLock by the roller on the bend in the river.

During the warmer spells there have also been some nice butterflies on the wing including speckled woods, small tortoiseshells, brimstone, peacocks, and orange tips.

In the skies over the past few weeks I have seen just two swallows, busy seeking food after their long flight.

Also the other day another of our visitors from Africa, a common sandpiper, flew by at great speed just skimming the water making its shrill three note call.

There are warblers such as chiff chaffs and blackcaps about and among the broom in the meadows there are linnets.

Red kites are still putting in an appearance, sometimes to be seen together with the common buzzards.

See you by the river.

robert.craig@nationaltrust.org.uk

Tel: 07786703831