Yet again the weather put paid to molesting invertebrates in the river this morning.  We had a monumental downpour mid morning which rose the river and left me with the urgent task of rodding my drains.  I have lowered the water level somewhat (in the drains that is), but suspect that DynoRod will be needed to restore an uninterrupted flow.

By all accounts the Tarn crayfish are thriving.  The two handling courses this week saw a reduced number of creatures in the traps compared to last year, but all these were healthy showing no sign of porcelain disease or any other affliction.  The population survey in a few weeks time will give us a better feel for the number of natives resident in the Tarn so look out for creatures bearing numbers.

Here's something to raise the blood pressure somewhat so grab a large scotch and read on.  That pseudo Welshman Gryff Rhys Jones has for some reason taken against anglers.  Writing in the BBC "Countryfile" magazine Jonesy laments the fact that our rivers "no longer belong to the people".  The fault it would seem lies with angling clubs who own the fishing rights on some of our most secluded rivers and prevent the lower orders from enjoying a quiet stroll along the banks or a gentle paddle down the waterway.  He claims to have met many anglers and is of the opinion that the great British public should get out and disturb as many anglers as possible.

Here's a thought for you boyo, without the protection, preservation and relentless campaigning of anglers down the last 200 years or so many of our finest rivers would still be open sewers, a convenient place to dump rubbish, pretty well devoid of life.  There are hundreds of miles of waterways in this crowded island open to boaters and canoeists.  The miles in the preservation of angling clubs are, by and large, havens for wildlife since they are relatively undisturbed by human impact pressures. 

This business of allowing people to go wherever they please has disbenefits that are largely ignored by the "access all areas" brigade  I suggest that we all go and camp in Mr Jones back garden.  His ownership of that land is denying me my right to be there.

Ian