The most popular riverside walk in Stratford on Avon heads upstream from the Tramway Bridge to cross the river on another footbridge next to the town’s ring road. Apart from a short stretch along a quiet land and a churchyard, the walk is through a landscape of urban parks, called gardens on the right bank.
Footpaths continue upstream on both sides of the river. The few people who venture this way step, within a few yards, into what ranks as countryside in the English midlands. The river banks are a mass of vegetation, proving in turn a home for wildlife.
At this time of year, what is most noticeable is the insects. Damselflies and dragonflies rest on the riverside plants, or ceaselessly patrol a territory over the edge of the water.
Banded demoiselles are one of the most striking of damselfly species, The males have vivid electric blue bodies, sometimes with areas of bronze. They spend a lot of time lying in the sun, hoping to attract the attention of females.