Enhancing flood Meadows
Open space well-being
We fully appreciate the value of our wonderful flood meadows which are such a characteristic part of our unique scenery. These vast open spaces give us space to breathe and feel unconstrained, and so add enormously to our feelings of well-being. But they are also often privately owned and as such are work places for farmers who rely on the contribution the sale of the hay crop delivers. Some are grazed by cattle and sheep once the hay is taken and such we much also respect the need to not disturb the livestock, or the hay, when we walk the footpaths through or alongside.
Value for flood control
In winter when water levels rise, the meadows fill with surplus water that the river cannot manage, and form vast lakes that transform the view. These temporary reservoirs hold this water until the river recovers, thus helping to protect our neighbouring communities from the worst effects of flooding.
Importance for biodiversity
This regular immersion and deposit of nutrient-rich silt encourages growth each spring. Flood meadows therefore support a rich flora and are also a haven for less common breeding birds in summer, as well as safe winter feeding and refuge for wildfowl in winter. Some meadows are now designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
Our involvement
Our local Wildlife Trust, a Trust Partner Member, is conducting a long-term project to survey the current condition of the water meadows in the valley. This habitat is now rare nationally and so we are keen to support and publicise the Wildlife Trust’s efforts to advise on restoration.
Sightings
For some days my eye was caught by a Coot ‘waving’ at me. As it swam by, some way off, one leg was raised in...
Remember the Dainty Footwork sighting of the Little Egret? Imagine my joy when in the same spot, a Great Egret alighted this time and proceeded...
New Year’s Day. Time to venture out and blow away the cobwebs. So to Ouse Fen with a brilliant blue sky and a biting wind....