News

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Group Visit: Potter Heigham to Candle Dyke

Our meeting held on 17th of October was excellent thanks to the help and guidance of Eilish Owen Rothney of the Broads Authority. Eilish led us through the grazing marshes from Potter Heigham to Candle Dyke, in addition to setting a quiz for the children on the way. About half way to the dyke Eilish found some barn owl pellets from a roost she knew well and some of the children enjoyed a mini-dissecting session.

On reaching the dyke Eilish gave a talk about the eels and the different baskets and nets used for catching them. We also saw inside the eel catchers hut which was used for shelter through the night in case a boat came passed and the eel catcher would need to lift the nets out of the way. A demonstration was given on how the nets were put in to position across the river for catching eels. For a grand finale Eilish pulled out a net full of eels so the children could see live ones for themselves. I would like to thank Eilish and her volunteer colleagues for giving us such an excellent morning.