River Hiz Conservation Group

11/06/2026

Swans and their cygnets spotted on the Hiz today! What a wonderful sight 🦢 🦢

08/06/2026

Just as I was thinking that the cuckoos weren't going to make themselves visible this year, Rob not only spotted but snapped one on the Oughton, so we can add a sighting to the reports of hearing a male along the Hiz. Rob says this one wasn't calling and so may be a female. If they meet up, we can hope for youngsters, although their hosts may not be enthusiastic.
Other spots this week include southern marsh orchids at the Cambridge Road end of Purwell Meadow, and an emperor dragon fly and a chaser and a skimmer at Burymead.
Keep those records coming!

30/05/2026

The burst of hot weather has brought out the insect life along the Hiz. There are plenty of damselflies - banded demoiselles, I think. Also, spotted in the last couple of days are a number of cinnabar moths with their unmistakeable vermillion and black colouring. And, nice and early, some painted lady butterflies.
Now the avian migrants have all arrived, it would be great to get some survey reports of insects along the river (though do keep sending in the birds and plants etc.)

23/05/2026

A big thank to all of our wonderful volunteers who came out today to undertake some river clearance work on the Hiz at Cadwell Lane, Hitchin. 12 bags of refuse collected!! 👏👏👏

Equally important was today’s event aligning with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust Herts Rivers week.

Hitchin Nature Network

23/05/2026

12/05/2026

The Hiz looking well today at Burymead Springs. Yellow water iris and ducklings in abundance as well.

08/05/2026

An interesting read, and shows that chalk streams can be improved & protected with the right support. Well done to all involved!

'This has been one of the most challenging and exciting river restoration projects.'

07/05/2026

Our next work party is fast approaching, where we plan to do some in-river clearance, and some bankside/in-river litter picking. It would be great if we can have a few of you join us!
The location is the far end of Cadwell Lane in Hitchin, on the stretch of the Hiz near the railway bridge and the rear of the recycling site. Parking is available on Cadwell Lane.
The date is Saturday 23rd May. We are planning to do a briefing at 10:30 and expect the session to last approximately 3 hours. If you wish to go in-river, please bring your wellies for the shallow sections. Anything deeper, please let us know your shoe size as we may be able to provide some waders.
If you would like to join us, please confirm by email ([email protected]) to help us plan and to send you further details.
We hope to see you on the 23rd!

05/05/2026

The cuckoo clock has sounded!
One of our survey volunteers had the first hearing of a cuckoo on the Hiz this year at the weekend. Phil heard the legendary migrant at Arlesey Moats, where last year he/she had a roost in a tree next to the river.
By my reckoning, early May is quite early for cuckoos along the Hiz although nothing like as early as last year when one arrived towards the start of April.
So, listen out for cuckoos overflying the river or perching nearby - some years one uses a dead tree overlooking the pond at Burymead - and drop us a note saying when and where you had a sighting or a hearing.

30/04/2026

A couple of wonderful photos by Rob Gilmore who is one of the participants in our project to record the flora and fauna of the Hiz and its tributaries.
Yes, those are frog legs hanging from the beak of the jay. I was pleased to see the shot of the roe deer near Burymead as that means we have four species seen along the river this year - roe, water deer, muntjac, and fallow.
If you requested recording forms, please do send in some results. Don't be shy - everything helps to build up a picture. Contributions from Charlton and Arlesey are particularly welcome.