Not an alternative to the roast, or a new craze of Christmas gift, but some small charges that I have been looking after during the holidays.  These fish usually reside in our office, awaiting the launch of this year’s Fish in the Classroom project in April.  With nostalgic feelings I packed them up for their trip.  It was just like being back at school, getting the chance to take the pet home for the holidays.  I felt some trepidation, as although they can live in a dirty water habitat, they’re actually rather fragile beasties who don’t like change.  Would they take to the holiday home I’d set up for them in the spare room? 

They almost didn’t survive to see my spare room at all.  I decided to drive them home on the 21^st December, the day that a good snowfall came over London just about at 5pm, causing chaos on the roads and turning a short journey into a marathon adventure.  After 1.5 hours on the road I was beginning to panic that the fish would be poaching nicely in the plastic bags in the boot.  So I turned the heating off and spent the next 2 hours sitting in a freezing car, still panicking that the fish would be floaters when I finally made it home.  

With joy and relief I finally reached home, and nervously opened the boot to find the fish were still alive and seemingly well.  Phew. 

At last released into their tanks that night, they have been happy since.  I’ve found them quite easy to look after, just changing a few jugs of water every other day or when I’ve noticed a distinct aroma from the water.  Not pleasant to think of them swimming in their own waste products!

It’s been a pleasure to observe them, their beautiful silvery sheen and spines that stick up when they’re excited to be fed, propelling themselves through the water at super-speed or just showing off.  I’ve also noticed that each tank has its own collective fish character.  The right hand tank contains shrinking wallflowers who hide away for most of the day, whereas the left tank has bold fish that could pack a punch to any predators taking on them and their spines. 

To any schools out there wondering if you should join in and offer some hospitality to sticklebacks this spring, I would definitely recommend it.  Twelve schools took part last year and found the experience a great one to enliven their pupils with local environmental issues and discussions.  Places are limited this year so get in touch asap if you want to take advantage of this (free) opportunity!  Call Vicky on 0207 515 3337 or email Vicky.dsouza@thames21.org.uk

Had a great day yesterday at a 'Volunteering and the Inland Waterways' conference. Accompanied by Pat from the Community Board, we spent the day hearing a wide variety of speakers share their thoughts and ideas on engaging volunteers with our waterways.

A fab way to get some inspiration and be reminded of those great plans we all have that get pushed by the wayside under the general day-to-day work. Some excellent ideas were discussed in the day so watch out for some exciting new schemes and events coming soon!

Thanks to the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities for organising the day, and providing the best conference food I've had yet!