IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Island Farm Road, WEST MOLESEY, KT8 2LH

Looking at the water in this narrow channel I saw no evidence of flow, in either direction - so I assume that's why the map labels it the Dead River. It can certainly be described as a tributary of the Mole, as it joins that river a couple of hundred yards further east; but it may also be a distributary of the Mole - tracing its origins 'upstream' is not simple. Just out of shot to the left are the back-gardens of houses in Island Farm Road, and allotments. The public open space to the right of the 'river' is Molesey Heath - a local nature reserve.

Growing in a damp situation close to the river. There are other common names for Cardamine pratense, but I prefer 'cuckoo flower' - as the plant comes into bloom at about the time the cuckoo is (or should I say was?) first heard. On the day I took the photo I heard no cuckoos - but I'd hardly expect to, not at Molesey. Bird migration was under way, though - there were swallows feeding over the local reservoir.

April 30th was probably the sunniest day of April, 2012 - and frankly, there wasn't much competition, the month was the wettest April on record. I had seen very few butterflies in previous weeks (in March rather than April) so I was pleased to see my first holly blue and orange-tips of the season on the wing - by the so-called Dead River (at the end of Approach Road). In my experience the Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus, is a species typical of suburban streets and gardens - but not often as approachable as this one. The only other blue butterfly likely to be seen in such places is the Common Blue, Polyomattus icarus - but that has a more complex underwing pattern, with orange, black and white markings on a ground which shades from blue-grey to buff.