Elder berries in short supply in the Fens

These are good for roach, apparently. I know an old boy or two who swears by them on the Ouse in the autumn, rating them as highly as hemp and tares for selecting the bigger specimens. One or two areas used to have elder bushes, which just about means it was possible for the berries to find their way into the river - although I suspect most would have been eaten by birds (or even picked by old boys who like going roach fishing...) instead. But you don't see half as many of them as you used to.

The elders have long gone from the stretch concerned - as have the other trees which one stood along its banks. All that remains is the odd stump here and there you sometimes stub your toe on in the winter.