World Ocean Day was extra special for a group of Plymouth schoolchildren – their drawings featured in a new book about a unique fish’s journey along the River Tamar.
Allis the Shad Who Wouldn’t Give Up is an illustrated rhyming story following the life journey of the rare Allis Shad – from the tranquil River Tamar to the underwater wonders of Plymouth Sound and the sea beyond – and back again.
Published by Natural England, the book was written by Angela Gall and illustrated by Sarah Gledhill – along with some of the Year 5 pupils at Eggbuckland Vale Primary School.
The book’s author, Angela Gall, a senior marine adviser in Natural England’s Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly Area Team, said:
“I have worked on the Tamar Estuary for many years and have been longing to share the amazing story of the iconic Allis Shad.
“They are a flagship species for Plymouth and the Tamar, and I believe everyone in this area should feel a sense of pride in them and that by helping this species we can help the whole ecosystem to recover.”
Allis Shad were once widespread and widely eaten, but these days they are threatened throughout western Europe and are now known to only breed in the Tamar.
Proceeds from sales of the ‘Allis the Shad Who Wouldn’t Give Up’ book will go to the charity Westcountry Rivers Trust to support their conservation work on the Tamar and other local rivers.
To celebrate their book launch, some of the children were lucky enough to explore the Lynher Barge and listen to the story being read aloud. What a great way to celebrate World Ocean Day!
You Can purchase the book here at https://wrt.org.uk/product/allis-the-shad/
