Washed Away

The reserve has been transformed by the heavy rain falling over the last 36 hours.

Small streams in the woodland have become dramatic waterfalls.

Bridges that are usually two foot above the ground are now only just poking above the high water levels.

Woodland paths now more resemble streams.

As does the whole of the path alongside Risedale Beck.

The beck has burst its bank in many places, knocking over small trees and gouging out deep trenches in the stone paths.

All of the channels under the bridges were blocked, and were cleaned out as well as we could manage to help the water drain away.

Down at the lake the water is up at least 3 feet higher than normal, flowing over the bridge at the weir.

The amount of water moving through Foxglove is immense; in 20 years the flooding here has never been as bad.

The reserve managers had to take a walk across the weir to check out the condition of the path.

Volunteers still turned out to help us assess the damage despite the dire conditions.  They all now have very wet feet.  Thank you for your help today, we hope you dry out soon!