Sign 4: A Closer Look ….

The Gade and the old watercress beds

The river at this point was much wider but has for many years now it has been narrowed by reeds and reed grass.  But some creatures find it works for them. 

The Moorhen is a successful and common bird and is sometimes called a water hen. There are many of them to see, both in the river edges and in the old watercress beds on the other side of the river. As well as red and yellow colours in the legs and bills of mature birds, they are sometimes known as the ‘white bowtie’ bird because of the appearance of their rear! 

Looking through a gap into the old watercress beds you will see a range of birds, especially ducks, geese and gulls. 

Grey Heron are also frequently seen. These large and ancient birds can be quite easy to watch as they wade around looking for something to eat, or as they perch in a tree