In recent days the Yare Valley has again been fulfilling two of its major roles in combating climate change: mitigating its effects and providing resilience. Its marshes, commons and meadows have become storage basins for many cubic metres of flood water slowing down its rush to the sea and lessening the chance of inundation of properties downstream.
We have been deprived of some of our favourite walks, but it is a small price to pay. As compensation there are dramatic views to enjoy. Other obstructions to paths have been fallen trees after storm Henk, but normally a way can be found round or over these.
The depth water on the bridleway was over welly height and rising!
The attenuation basins constructed under the supervision of the Norfolk Rivers Trust below the Strawberry Field have been inundated. As the waters recede the basins will retain water to increase the resilience of the marsh in times of drought and so help safeguard the habitats of water voles and other wildlife.
