Our September weather was again comparatively dry and warm, and our rainfall down by 2/3rds from the previous six years. As a consequence the Pit is showing signs of this with a beach appearing at the back of the Pit and the dipping platform out of the water. Urgent substantial rainfall is needed to maintain a good balance. The dry weather on the other hand is causing problems through excessive growth, and around the village trees and branches might cause issues as autumn approaches.

I feature some historic pictures of our old sycamore tree on The Green, with the news that my offer to replace the stump with a suitable tree has been accepted by the Parish Council. We are now looking for a suitable tree for that historic spot.

I’m sure walkers along the canal will have noticed the incredible growth of a floating weed, which blankets the canal in many places. This plant appeared for the first time three years ago, and despite efforts by local fishermen and the Canal and Rivers Trust to contain it, it multiplies quicker than anything I’ve seen. The plant is floating pennywort, “Hydrocolyte ranunculoides” a plant native to North & South America, and was probably imported as an attractive garden pond plant. It has clearly escaped into rivers and water courses and its sale was banned in the UK in 2014. Like Himalayan balsam on our rivers especially The Gowy at Hockenhull and Walk Mill it is becoming very invasive. The pictures below taken recently at The Bridges show the river completely covered by reed and plant growth.