TimF
Monday 17th November 2003, 12:37
My wife and I recently joined Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and decided on Sunday morning to visit Wheldrake Ings Nature reserve.
After a very pleasant walk in the November sunshine we suddenly realised how quiet it was.
As we approached the hides we suddenly realised why - No water in any of the lakes - and no birds.
Not only is there no flooding this year the water levels are so low that the permanent lakes (which I assumed would normally have their levels controlled) are completely dried up.
Only a couple of years ago (in October!) the flooding in this area was devastating with hundreds of acres underwater.
Thousands of homes were flooded as the Derwent and Ouse flooded accross the vale of York.
Not that I would wish rain in the quantity to cause destruction to homes - I would be interested in any views on this.
Wheldrake Ings is I believe an important habitat - Where have all the birds gone this year and when will they be back? (if at all!).
(A couple of weeks ago visited Nosterfield (near Masham) - This is almost dried up also.)
Cheers
After a very pleasant walk in the November sunshine we suddenly realised how quiet it was.
As we approached the hides we suddenly realised why - No water in any of the lakes - and no birds.
Not only is there no flooding this year the water levels are so low that the permanent lakes (which I assumed would normally have their levels controlled) are completely dried up.
Only a couple of years ago (in October!) the flooding in this area was devastating with hundreds of acres underwater.
Thousands of homes were flooded as the Derwent and Ouse flooded accross the vale of York.
Not that I would wish rain in the quantity to cause destruction to homes - I would be interested in any views on this.
Wheldrake Ings is I believe an important habitat - Where have all the birds gone this year and when will they be back? (if at all!).
(A couple of weeks ago visited Nosterfield (near Masham) - This is almost dried up also.)
Cheers