Severn Hams (7 January 2011, contributed by Mike Smart)
The River Severn rising gently, so local streams are beginning to back flood. At Minsterworth (Upper Moorcroft Farm) there were three Whoopers (two adults and a cygnet) on the same very green field, today joined by nine Mute Swans (five adults, four cygnets), all grazing. Walmore Common was largely dry: no Bewickâs, one Mute Swan. Ashleworth Ham: water is flowing on to the reserve at last after a very dry autumn: 40 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall at least 40 Teal. At Leigh Meadows there was no flooding and no swans.