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The zander (Sander lucioperca) is an eastern European fish introduced into the UK during the 20th century, it is thought, by Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford. In 1878. he reportedly released 23 German zander into the Woburn Abbey lakes. These fish remained local until, in 1963, biologists of the Great Ouse River Authority controversially released 97 small zander into the Great Ouse relief channel. Since then they have spread all over Cambridgeshire and indeed as far as the Severn. The slow moving Cambridgeshire rivers seem to suit these aggressive fish. See Giles, Nick (1993) Fresh Water Fish of the British Isles for more information.

We understand that the zander is favoured by our eastern European population who can sometimes be seen fishing for this delicacy.

John McCullough

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This is a reminder that the village will be celebrating the Queen’s diamond jubilee during the long weekend of 2nd through 5th of June 2012. More details of events can be found in the April/May village newsletter.

In March we asked for volunteers to help with the flower arranging for the village contribution to this celebration. I can report that meetings have been held and volunteers have now been allocated their “spots in the church”.

John McCullough

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We all know the advantage of bulk buying. Lower costs. But did you know you could be helping to reduce noise, wear and tear on the road and generally help reduce carbon emissions?

As reported recently in the Ely Standard, the Cambridgeshire ACRE charity has set up a community oil buying scheme in the Cambridgeshire area which can save up to £50 per delivery per customer. For Little Thetford residential customers, the scheme costs £20 per year to join. The membership form can be obtained from our village coordinator, Steve Merrell, or from Cambridgeshire ACRE here.
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See this booklet (PDF) for further information or contact us. We will pass your details on to Steve Merrell.

Further reading and comments …

John Parish sends us this recent report:

The Wheatears [Oenanthe oenanthe] are back. They pass through in Spring and Autumn and stop for up to two weeks. They are two weeks earlier this year than last, and [recent] night temperatures of minus 4°C might have caused them to regret their early arrival. A member of the Thrush and Chat family, they will head to the upland areas of northern Britain to breed. This is a male and is much more colourful than the [female].

Wheatear in Little Thetford Photo: John Parish

Wheatear in Little Thetford Photo: John Parish

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There are more and more sightings of this near threatened falcon species of Red Kite (Milvus milvus) in the village. This photo, from Wikimedia Commons by Thomas Kraft, shows a Red Kite in flight. We would be delighted if one of our readers could furnish us with a photo of this bird taken within the village.


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