The Thames and Severn canal near Chalford

We went up the valley beyond Chalford this morning for a walk on the towpath of the now derelict Thames and Severn canal. The canal at this point is heading up the narrowing Golden Valley towards the long Sapperton tunnel which marked the watershed of the canal before it descended eastwards towards the Th
ames at Lechlade.

There was a cold wind but the sense of spring in the air was evidenced by the rich colours of the emerging vegetation, the yellow and white flowers, and the leaves and stems of rushes. There weren't many birds but they were noisy. Lots of other walkers were striding or ambling along the towpath according to their situation.  We both met people we knew separately including a colleague from the council with her family.

We walked as far as Baker's Mill past three derelict locks as the valley ascended and had a quick look at its big mill pond where we hoped to see the otters kept by the owners of the mill. Sadly they weren't around, but I did see a minor contretemps between several birds on the far bank.  A pair of ducks were sitting asleep just above the shoreline while two swans slowly made their way up the pond close to the bank.  Suddenly one of the swans leapt forward and threatened a large goose which was sitting close to the ducks.  It rose and retreated with wings extended. I've added a picture of that scene as an 'Extra photo'.

I noticed immediately that although the goose was on it sown, there was an abundance of feathers littering the bank a few yards away.  Possibly a fox had attacked and killed on of the birds.  I think the presence of a goose in this location is actually quite unusual.