The lower stream of the River Ock shimmers as it flows towards the River Thames. It is a lovely way to walk in, or out, of town from the Drayton Road, and forms Abingdon’s own Mesopotamia (from the Greek, meaning ‘between two rivers’). But it does need taking care of from time to time, not just from flooding.

Himalayan Balsam is gaining ground again. This invasive species overtops the nettles in one place. Some stalks growing from the banks are 8 or 9 feet tall.

The additional drainage channel from the Ock, that cuts across to Caldecott Road, is also overgrown with nettles and other weeds.