Read about the mammals, birds, fish, plants and trees that live in or by the river in Brandon, in a note by Alison Barnes, Brandon Town Keeper.

Mammals

Water Vole Arvicola amphibius

The water vole is the largest vole species in the UK. They dig burrows in grassy banks, along slow moving rivers but can be found in many other habitats such as ditches, streams, canals and ponds. Water voles have been recorded eating no less than 227 different plant species! They will occasionally eat insects and other invertebrates. They need to eat a whopping 80% of their body weight every day.

Water voles used to be found in nearly every waterway in England but suffered one of the most serious declines of any UK wild mammal species. Between 1989 and 1998, the population fell by almost 90%, mainly due to the spread of American mink and the loss of habitat due to changes in agricultural practices.

Otter Lutra lutra

These perfectly adapted semi aquatic mammals mainly hunt fish and crustaceans but will also eat water birds, eggs, small mammals, amphibians and insects. They are capable of catching prey equal to their own body weight which is anywhere between 7 – 11kg. Their thick, dense fur not only keeps them warm but also helps with buoyancy when swimming. Most active at night, the best time to see otters is at dawn or dusk.

Did you know – otters can close their ears and nose when under water?

Birds

Heron Ardea cinerea

The unmistakable Grey heron is a tall, long legged bird with a long neck and a beak. With a wingspan of about 6ft (1.8m) they are one of the largest UK bird species. They will stand motionless in shallow water, patiently hunting for fish but will also eat ducklings, small mammals and amphibians.

Herons like to nest together in heronries and as many as 10 nests can be found in a single tree.

Did you know – If disturbed at the nest, herons will often regurgitate their last meal onto anyone unfortunate enough to be stood below!

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

The bright blue and orange plumage of the Kingfisher is unmistakable. They are often seen moving up and down the river channel, flying low across the water surface, with rapid wing beats. You can often hear their distinctive ‘peep peep’ call as they approach and may be lucky enough to see one sitting on a favourite perch to fish. They nest in tunnels which they dig in vertical, sandy riverbanks.

Did you know? – Kingfishers are small birds, with a wingspan of 25cm making them only slightly larger than a Robin. However, they weigh nearly twice as much. This is due to the large size of the kingfisher head and beak.

Invertebrates

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens

This large damselfly can be seen flitting along the riverbank between May and August. Only the metallic blue males have the distinctive ‘band’ across the wing, that gives this species its name. Females are metallic green with pale, greenish wings.

The female will inject her eggs into the stem of a plant, underneath the water surface. After hatching, the larvae spend the first two years of their life underwater, hidden in the mud, feasting on small aquatic insects and worms.

How do you tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly? Dragonflies perch with their wings open, held away from their body, while damselflies perch with their wings closed.

Mayfly Ephemera vulgata

The name ‘Mayfly’ is quite misleading, as this group of insects can appear at other times of the year.

Some adult Mayflies live only for a day. Most of their life is spent as a nymph, living for up to two years on the riverbed, feasting on algae and vegetable matter.

Emerging adults are a vital food source for many other river species, including salmon and trout.

Did you know – Mayflies were one of the first winged insects to have existed? There are fossils dating back over 300 million years, which pre-dates the dinosaurs!

Fish

Eel Anguilla anguilla

This long narrow fish was once abundant in our freshwater rivers and ditches but is currently a priority species under the UK Post – 2010 Biodiversity Framework and is listed as Critically  Endangered on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Eel Lifecycle

Eggs are laid in the deep blue water of the Sargasso Sea, in the North Atlantic. They hatch into leaf shaped larvae, which are carried across the Atlantic on the Gulf Stream. It can take nearly 2 years to drift the 4,000 miles to the shores of Europe and North Africa. They then metamorphose into ‘glass eels’ and continue their journey inland. They darken in colour as they enter freshwater rivers and migrate upstream. At this stage they are called ‘elvers’. Maturing in their freshwater habitat for anything up to 20 years, they develop lemon yellow undersides. Here they can remain for up to 20 years until they become reproductively mature. Finally, the fish changes colour again and transforms into a ‘silver eel’ and begins the long journey back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, lay eggs and die. Much of the eels life cycle at sea is a mystery.

The introduction of fish passes like the one here at Brandon staunch will help allow free movement of eels and other fish along the length of the river system.

Pike Esox lucius

This large fish can grow to over a metre in length and is found in slow moving rivers, canals and lakes that have plenty of vegetation. The pike specialises in ambush tactics, hiding amongst the weed, ready to pounce on any passing prey. They are one of the world’s finest freshwater predators.

The name ‘pike’ comes from the shape of the fish which resembles a pike, a medieval pole like weapon.

Did you know – Pike can live for up to 25 years?

Plants

Yellow iris Iris pseudacorus

The yellow iris is a native perennial plant that can be found the waterway margins, ponds, fens, wet woodlands and saltmarshes of the UK. The bright, billowy flowers appear between May and August.

Also called the ‘flag iris’, its leaves form in a fan like fashion and will remain green during winter, if the weather is mild.

In folklore, it was believed the yellow iris could protect travellers from harm and help them to navigate treacherous waters.

Did you know – The flower of the iris are thought to be the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis, an emblem adopted by the Scouting movement.

Water forget-me-not Myosotis scorpioides

This lover of damp habitats will produce clusters of pretty blue flowers, between June and September.

In folklore, it is said the name of this plant is based on a European legend about a knight who was walking by the river with his lady. He stooped down to pick her some bright blue flowers but lost his balance and fell into the river. Before he drowned, he threw the flowers to his lady shouting “Forget me not!” And so, the flowers were named! His lady is said to have worn the flowers every day until she died.

Common Reed Phragmites australis

Common reed can form large reedbeds which are an important habitat for some of the UK’s most endangered birds such as the Marsh Harrier and the Bittern. More common species such as the reed warbler, can often be heard singing amongst the tall, golden stems.

Common reed has been cut and managed for centuries as the primary thatching material in Europe. A roof thatched with this material can last between 25 and 40 years plus.

Trees

Alder Alnus glutinosa

This ‘swamp dwelling’ specialist is monoecious, meaning that both the male and female flowers are found on the same tree. Male catkins are pendulous, and the female catkins look like small pinecones. It is the only UK deciduous tree to have cones.

The timber from this tree is incredibly durable when waterlogged. It does not rot but instead turns stronger and harder.

Did you know – that much of Venice is built on alder wood piles?

Note provided by Alison Barnes, Brandon Town Keeper, October 2024