Return to the Ock

Due to the weather, holidays, but mostly complete apathy, the river and this blog have been neglected for nearly two months.
So it is interesting to return to see what has changed - the most obvious is the wooden footbridge has been for health and safety reasons. 
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Another  obvious change is the growth of the river fauna - the sedges, reeds and nettles making access to the river very limited.
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The plants alongside the river aren't the only ones that are growing, back in May the Ock Meadow was under water, now the barley will soon be ready to be harvested
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With the increase in the river plants and the closure of the footbridge, it can be difficult to see any wildlife.  But the banded demoiselles are out in force, including this female:
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And a pair of swans have also moved in, but do not appear to be trying to establish a nest.
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And where it is possible to gain access to there are evidence of nocturnal activity, including this intriguing five toed footprint - a visiting otter perhaps?
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