Low-level fun
WITH the annual ‘draw-off’ in place on the semi-tidal section of Thames below Teddington Weir I took the opportunity to walk along the foreshore that is exposed by the extra fall of around 4ft. The biggest surprise was the number of cockles – how do they survive in what is only slightly brackish water?
There are the usual swan mussels – although fewer than of late – zebra mussels and large freshwater shrimps, again apparently down in numbers, under the pebbles. Under a larger stone I found an elver.
It’s fascinating to see the potential snags – including what look like three brick walls sticking out at perfect feeder range in one spot. I dread to think how much tackle would be lost on those!