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Catch of a lifetime as terrapin found in River Lea

Rosie with the terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell

22 Jun 2025

Posted at 12:05 in Wheathampstead

When photographer Tom Campbell his 11-year-old son Arthur and daughter Rosie, six, went on their regular fishing trip to the River Lea near Wheathampstead they had no idea what they’d end up catching…

But what should end up in their net but a terrapin!

Tom said: “We always go fishing on June 16 to mark the start of the river coarse fishing season, unbelievably Arthur spotted a terrapin swimming and Rosie managed to scoop it up in the net!

“In an hour we had collectively managed quite a haul, a barbel, a beautiful baby chub (just like a shiny new penny), some minnows and the terrapin! All were returned to the river to continue the cycle of river life.

“Fishing is a great and rewarding non-digital activity to engage the kids, teenagers and adults with.”

The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
The terrapin found in the River Lea. Photo: Tom Campbell
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