SALMON, the king of fish, have spawned in a Forest of Dean stream.
A pair made a redd (nest) in the brook running through the centre of Blakeney before making the journey back to the Severn.
The discovery has delighted conservationists and especially the Environment Agency.
A number of years ago their predecessors, the National Rivers Authority, had stocked the brook with salmon parr as part of an action plan to boost fish stocks.
"There have been previous reports of salmon being spotted in the brook but this is the first time we have actually discovered a redd," said a spokesman.
"It may be that salmon spawned in the brook in the past because the water quality is excellent, but this is the first time we have actual evidence and even a photograph of salmon in the village," he said.
"Hopefully the population will grow and there is the possibility of further investigations into the numbers of young fish in the river in the future."
The Agency would like to hear from anyone making further sightings of salmon. They should telephone 01684 850951.
They stress that fish on the verge of spawning are inedible and should not be disturbed.
"It is an offence which carries a very heavy penalty. The Agency is anxious to conserve salmon stocks which have been in sharp decline throughout England and Wales and we would urge the public to report any suspicious activities on the hotline number 0845 807060," he said.
Before returning to sea the salmon provided some magical moments of entertainment for local people as they attempted to run further up stream by leaping the weir in the centre of the village.