“The Forgotten River”, presented by John Tyler
A talk on discovering the wildlife and history of the tranquil River Thame, from source to mouth and from the Stone Age to the present day.
Having studied Zoology and Conservation at university, John worked with the Ecological Parks Trust (now the Trust for Urban Ecology), creating and managing urban nature reserves so that children could learn about nature at first hand.
John gave us a fascinating, and beautifully illustrated talk on the flora and fauna along the River Thame and its many tributaries.
The Thame rises in fields near Cheddington, where it is fed by many springs. It meanders some 35 miles to join the River Isis, which then flows into the River Thames at Dorchester. Large parts of the river flow over thick clay with very few footpaths that run alongside.
Tolkein based many of his novels on the Thame boundary and the ‘channels’ which feed into it. These channels support many plants not viable in faster flowing rivers and thus is ecologically important. 3 particular types of trees are found in the area
- Black poplar of which very few remain and these support insects that exist nowhere else.
- Alder
- Willow, of which there are many varieties. One in particular that is used to make cricket bats and coracles
A recent discovery near the Thame is evidence of a Stone Age farming community. Also in the past there were several mills along the river bank. The flood plains which extend along the Thame valley make for lush agriculture.
It is a beautiful area in which to walk and John does organise walks in the area. Visit his website to view other resources he has to offer – http://www.johntyler.co.uk/