At the recent Avon Estuary Forum,  Gordon Waterhouse reported anew on the Dwarf Spikerush (Eleocharis parvula) which has been observed just downstream of the bridge at Aveton Gifford for several decades but is little known by river users.  This is a protected species, appearing in Natural England’s Red Data Book.  Only 7 sites are known in the UK and this site at AG is the only one in Devon.

The plant grows here in a sizeable colony in the estuary mud, avoiding strong saline, close to the upper tidal limit.  It dies back over winter.  The identification is not in doubt as it was made originally by the South Devon recorder for the Botanical Society of the British Isles, Roger Smith.

This is yet another reason to celebrate the unique beauty of our river!