Contra to the forecast we had some rain in the night.  Not enough to make any real difference to the river level, but enough to wet the ground.  It seems to be clearing now to a fairly cloudy but bright day with a very light westerly breeze.  It's good to see that the cygnets on the Tarn are still thriving and growing well.  My arrival at the hut yesterday prompted them to come scurrying across the water to see what I was up to and if I had anything for them (unfortunately not).  They seem now to be getting a bit more independent and it's at this stage that they become more vulnerable so fingers crossed that they survive.

The fishing returns for last week show a very good ratio between visits and catch and since we are due to stock again this week end there should be good fishing at the Tarn through to the end of the season which this year will be at the end of October.  The bad news from the Tarn is that the cormorants are back.  There were three perched on the wall below the boat house when I arrived at Tarn Pasture and they only took off as I approached the hut.  Unfortunately I didn't have my camera to hand, but will be back later today to see if I can record there presence.  Can members please record all sightings in the wildlife book in the hut so that we can maintain a record of the presence of these pests should we need to get permission to deter them (permanently) from stealing fish.

Firstly today I have a funeral to attend.  Many of you will recall that about 18 months ago the body of a young indo-chinese woman was found in Sell Gill above Newhouses.  She has never been identified and how her body got to that remote spot has never been established.  The Horton community has now donated a burial plot in the graveyard at Horton church and we are holding a short non-denominational service in the church today to lay her body to rest.  It's sad that someone can pass from this life without it registering with family or friends, but at least we at Horton can show that we care and give her a marked grave which can be visited should her identity ever be established.

Alan M emailed me to say that he now has details of the route to be taken by the new bridleway that will cross the river just below Drain Mires.  I will look at these on Saturday and report back.

Ian