Starting on Saturday 29th April and running for three weeks, this year’s festival will include a series of in-person events, workshops, and a UK-wide #OrvisHatchWatch. Expect to see brand new content across the Orvis UK social media channels including fly tying, fly fishing 101’s, exciting video content, river conservation and guiding tips from our OEGs.
#OrvisHatchWatch
The Green Drake Mayfly (Ephemera danica) is one of the most iconic mayflies, revered by anglers from the chalkstreams of Hampshire to the limestone lochs of Caithness.
The species takes its common name from wings of the dun which resemble the feathers on the breast of a male Mallard duck. Its nymphs live in the gravels of lakes and rivers and take either 1 or 2 years to develop. They grow to nearly 25mm long making them one of the largest British mayfly species. The adults emerge in large numbers from the water when the Hawthorn (or Mayflower) is in bloom, typically mid April to mid May. However, adults can be found on the wing throughout the year - the earliest adult record is the 1st January!
We want to find out more about the distribution of the Green Drake Mayfly to help us understand how it is faring in light of climate change, water pollution, and other pressures on our freshwaters.
If you see a mayfly, you can submit your video or photo on Instagram, tagging #OrvisHatchWatch or, here on the website at our Orvis HatchWatch page.
This brief has been provided by BugLife to support its upcoming 10-year review of river fly and mayfly numbers. Craig Macadam is Conservation Director with Buglife and National Co-ordinator of the Mayfly Recording Scheme. He has been studying mayflies for over 30 years and is particularly interested in the effects of climate change on their populations. Craig is a founder member of the Riverfly Partnership and co-chairs the IUCN Species Survival Commission Mayfly, Stonefly and Caddisfly Specialist Group.
Meet Craig and take part in our Live Q&A on the Orvis UK Facebook on Wednesday 1st May at 12:30pm.
Kick samples at Orvis Stockbridge
Join us in store or from our Facebook Lives on @OrvisUK to see river life close-up from our riverbed kick sample. Keep up to date by following our social media channels and expect to see these live samples taken on Mon 1st May, Thurs 4th May, Mon 8th May, Wed 10th May, Tue 16th May, Fri 19th May with timings coming soon.
Mayfly Project UK Flag Day, Saturday 20th May
Meet & Greet Susan Skrupa of the Mayfly Project UK Team who will be in store in Orvis Stockbridge all day on Saturday 20th May. Join us from 6-8pm for a social evening with gin bar & snacks, talks and official Mayfly Project UK merch on sale.
With so much more in the pipeline keep an eye on our social channels, check back here or sign up to receive Orvis emails to stay up to date.