Listen to the Song – The Silver Traveller. The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Allis Shad
The Silver Traveller
“Every spring, guided by an ancient instinct, the Allis Shad leaves the sea and follows the rivers home.”
Species Profile
The Allis Shad (Alosa alosa) is one of Britain’s rarest and most remarkable migratory fish. Closely related to the Herring, it spends most of its life in the sea before returning to freshwater rivers to spawn.
Once common in many British rivers, the Allis Shad has suffered dramatic declines through pollution, habitat loss and barriers that prevent its migration upstream.
With its bright silver body and graceful shape, the Allis Shad is a beautiful reminder of the delicate link between our rivers and the sea.
Today, it is one of Britain’s most protected freshwater fish, making every successful migration a small conservation success.
Clive’s Story
The Allis Shad has always fascinated me because so few people have ever seen one.
Unlike the Salmon, which has become famous throughout the world, the Allis Shad carries out its remarkable migration almost unnoticed.
Perhaps that is why I admire it so much.
It quietly completes one of nature’s oldest journeys, asking for nothing more than clean water and a free passage upstream.
Its story reminds us that not every hero is widely known.
Sometimes the greatest achievements happen far from the spotlight.
Natural History
Adult Allis Shad spend several years feeding in coastal waters before returning to freshwater rivers during spring.
They travel upstream to lay their eggs over clean gravel beds, where the flowing current provides oxygen for the developing young.
After hatching, the young fish gradually make their way downstream before entering the sea, where they mature.
This annual migration has taken place for thousands of years and remains one of Britain’s most remarkable natural events.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Alosa alosa
- Family: Clupeidae.
- Close relative of the Atlantic Herring.
- Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries and rivers.
- Diet: Plankton and small marine organisms.
- Lifespan: Commonly 5–8 years.
- One of Britain’s rarest migratory fish.
- Protected because of its declining populations.
Behind the Song
When writing The Silver Traveller, I wanted the music to reflect hope.
The verses flow gently like a river in spring, while the chorus celebrates the determination of a fish that continues its ancient migration despite the many challenges it now faces.
The song is both a celebration of resilience and a gentle reminder that protecting our rivers means protecting every species that depends upon them.
Conservation
The Allis Shad has disappeared from many rivers where it once flourished.
River barriers, pollution and habitat degradation have greatly reduced its breeding success.
Across Britain, river restoration projects, improved fish passes and better water quality are helping create opportunities for this remarkable fish to recover.
Its future depends upon our willingness to restore the natural connections between river and sea.
Clive’s Reflection
The Allis Shad teaches us that importance is not measured by fame.
Few people will ever see one, yet its journey is every bit as extraordinary as that of the Salmon.
Its quiet determination reminds us that every species has a role to play in the story of our rivers.
As long as rivers continue to flow freely, there remains hope that the Allis Shad will continue its ancient migration for generations to come.
That is why, to me, the Allis Shad will always be The Silver Traveller.
“The future of every journey depends upon the river remaining open.”
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