One of the seasonal highlights not to miss in the Stour Catchment is the flowering of water crowfoot on our rivers in late spring and summer. The swathes of white blossoms just above the water’s surface are a spectacle on a par with bluebells in our ancient woodlands. This species is particularly associated with chalk streams – the Great Stour between Ashford and Fordwich is one of the best places to see it – and is part of characteristic chalk stream plant communities, together with plants like water starwort and watercress. It can also be seen in ponds and ditches. Water crowfoot is common and not of conservation concern, but it is important that we keep working to maintain healthy rivers to support this lovely aquatic plant.