The River Ash. What secrets does this unassuming river hold? Though small and shallow, the River Ash has played a significant role in shaping the landscape and history of this area. Flowing for a mere 10 kilometers through Surrey, the River Ash is a distributary of the River Colne, branching off near Staines Moor. Despite its size, this river has been a defining feature for centuries, marking the traditional boundary between towns like Staines-upon-Thames and Ashford. The River Ash is not a waterway for boats or large vessels. Instead, it thrives as a haven for nature. Reeds and sedges line its banks, offering shelter to a variety of insects, amphibians, and birds. Keep an eye out for the bright flash of a kingfisher, a regular visitor drawn by the river’s healthy fish population. Speaking of fish, the River Ash has seen its share of efforts to improve their passage. In 2016, a project was undertaken to modify a weir and restore a historic channel. This bypass allows fish to move more freely, enhancing the overall biodiversity of the river. The River Ash is a testament to how even seemingly insignificant natural features can have a rich history and ecological importance.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service