We had to climb over a few fences and stiles to reach some of the river sampling sites, some of which were difficult for the shorter volunteers (ahem, guilty) to manage. This was when I was told I had Duck's Disease! I retorted with, "are you calling me an old duck?" No, apparently its slang for describing someone with short legs, or whose 'bottom is very close to the ground.' (Urban dictionary). Huh!
We were shown how to walk in a stream with wellington boots by lifting one's feet up out of the water, instead of keeping them underwater with each step, to face the current, toes forward parallel to the flow for stability, and to use a wading staff. It helps! Access points to some sites were very slippery and skiddy on clayey banks - scary!
There were some plump sloe berries at one of the sites, but I didn't get a chance to collect any - what a pity. I've been on the lookout for some closer to home, with no luck so far.
Two country gents taking a stroll
One of our sites was accessed from a local's garden - what a pretty and tranquil garden setting.
Spectacular tree form
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