The Cot Valley was formed in the ice age , with the Cot Stream running through its base. It is a small steep sided Valley, home to a plethora of wild creatures and plant life. The stream is home to Trout and Sargosso Eels, ( a protected species) and many other small aquatic creatures. All dependant on the seasons and the flow of the stream. The eels arrive as young elvers , after a 2,000 mile journey , and stay hidden in the nooks and crannies of the stream until ready to migrate. This can sometimes take up to thirty years. It is inborn instincts that tell them when the time is right to return to the sea. The flow of the stream is critical to this migration, and when the stream is at its optimum flow they leave their resting places and head back out to sea. This can only be done if the stream is at the right level during the migration season.  Sadly, with the constant interference with the streams flow and the extraction of water to fill a large man made Lake/dam  (which has no planning permission ) the breeding habits of the resident Trout and the migration of the Eels has been badly affected. Three years ago , before the stream was first Dammed , to fill this Lake, fish and other creatures , such as Toads and Frogs were seen in abundance. Now , as the Dam was in place at prime breeding season in May, the effect on the streams inhabitants has been dramatic. The Dam was removed on request of the Lead Flood Authority, but the damage was done. Now it is rare to see a trout swimming in the small rocky pools of the stream, and in the lower reaches no Eels have been sighted. Toad and Frog Spawn once abundant in spring is now hard to find. The effect of keeping this Lake full and the extraction from the stream is altering the natural habitat of this wonderful place. It is sad that people can ignore Natures development of this unique habitat, and what has evolved over thousands of years , and have no empathy towards the creatures their actions damage.