I was born and grew up near Ruxley Lane close to the Hogsmill in the 1940s / 1950s. 

The river was very important for our little gang of children, and where I became interested in scientific ecology. 

I remember when there were water meadows before the canalisation of the early 50s stretch from Ruxley Lane to Old Malden Lane; cows from Scotts Farm grazing and water voles under the banks, although the stream was already anoxic by that time. But there were still newts a-plenty at Ewell Court. 

There is a description of a water meadow in a 19th century essay by Richard Jeffries, and a case that it was the same water meadow we knew.

There used to be spectacular winter displays by starlings roosting in the old tall willow trees (Goats Willow - live to 300 years?) that lined the west bank down to the Bonesgate from Ruxley Lane, (water voles in among the roots). In the summer the area was feeding ground for plentiful numbers of Swifts.

Restoration of some water meadow would be fantastic habitat but avoiding flooding for existing housing probably prevents that in the stretch downstream from Ruxley Lane. (Chalk stream water meadows and their biodiversity must count as rare world treasures if I understand the rarity of chalk streams.)

Dad had some photos (by Mr Wakefield who was a friend of my grandad before WWI) that I hope  ended up in the custody of Bourne Hall.

The Millais Ophelia painting legend came through to my dad in a muddled form. The painting was 1852 well before Mr Wakefield but there was a photo by him that was highly reminiscent of the river bank in that painting.

Would be very pleased if any of this helps - please tell the supporters I share their enthusiasm!

Very best

Phil