There are two different channels from the River Thames that spill over into Swift Ditch.

There is currently a tree with fire damage at its base, across one spillway / weir. I have no idea how that happened.

Back in the 1890s, shown in this picture (possibly by Taunt), the area was much clearer.

Much of Swift Ditch flows under fallen trees and branches. But it makes an interesting walk – along the Thames beyond Abingdon Lock, to Swift Ditch, then back along the farm track by Kingfisher Barn.

If you go over the bridge, over the first stream, you will get to an interesting historical feature.

Between the early seventeenth and late eighteenth centuries Swift Ditch was the main navigation channel with the earliest Pound Lock on the Thames. There is an information board near the spot that tells more. The stones of the lock walls are still in place, but the lock gates are long gone.

St Helen’s Church, Abingon-on-Thames

Brian worked in the Bridge Street Offices before the Old Goal re-development. His office window was furthest left on the top floor overlooking the backwater toward the Chandlery.

He has sent a before, during and after photo of the Old Gaol taken from the Abingdon bridge. This was prompted by a comment that Newcomer made a few days ago.

Brian used to look out on Grebes, Moorhens and an abundance of other wildlife.

The flow of the River Thames has been strong over the last couple of weeks and all the weir gates have been open at times. The red boards are out and not many boats pass through the lock.

Only the strongest rowers from Abingdon Rowing Club venture out for river training.

Work continues round the lock, and more animals are expected in time for next season to join the wooden menagerie on lock island. One large animal is already in the garden behind the lock. It is currently in a number of pieces and will have a long neck.

On one side of the small road leading to the lock there is a sign for a planning application for parking and a hut to store canoes. Kingfisher Canoe Club and Pathfinder Youth Canoe Club need this new base as they have to leave their current site, shared with the army, in April. They have gained planning permission for the new site but still need money.

On the other side of the road, and behind the lock house a lot of clearance of brambles and nettles has been taking place. You can now see much further. The wicker fences have been extended round the lock with the help of willow from the clearance.

That land was previously ‘set aside’ but with a new farmer in place the land will be the home of another sort of animal. Wire fences have been added and strengthened around the farm to ensure the flocks of these woolly animals don’t escape.