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Grey Heron, Northenden Weir

A grey heron wades in the fast flowing waters near bottom of the weir at Northenden. (It can be seen in SJ8390 : River Mersey Weir, Northenden).

The heron is one symbol of the improvement to the river's water quality (and hence fish stocks) since the 1980s. During the nineteenth century, the increase in industry along the banks of the Mersey caused it to become one of the most polluted rivers in Europe and wildlife became virtually extinct. It is only in recently decades that fish have been once again been able to survive in the river.

Of course the presence of the heron could also symbolise the decline of local industry.

Link for more photos of this heron