Flooding in Salisbury

I don’t need to tell you that this has been a very wet and stormy winter and although Salisbury hasn’t suffered the devastating damage that has afflicted other parts of the south of England we have certainly been reminded that Salisbury is watered by five rivers.

Many of you will have seen the flooding of the Avon through the city and if anyone was in any doubt about the meaning of the term “floodplain” then they have had a very firm reminder.  The saddest sight is Queen Elizabeth Gardens after all the effort and money that was spent on them last year.  We will have to wait for the waters to subside before we know the extent of the damage caused by the water.

For those of you who have not been able to visit the flood sites and for our friends in Saintes, here are a couple of photos taken of Elizabeth Gardens, and the water meadows.  For a further selection of pictures,and to see the rivers Avon and Bourne in full spate go to our Gallery.

Since I have mentioned Elizabeth Gardens specifically I will begin there.  (Photo below)

Look across the river, not that you can tell where the banks are, and you can see why they are they called the water meadows.(Photo below) Go further up the Avon valley and just north of the city the river has completely burst its banks.(Photo in Gallery)

 The Bourne has also seen of the most severe flooding for many years.  Along with all our rivers the waters will take a long time to subside, as the ground is so saturated, especially Salisbury Plain from where our river waters originate. (Photo in gallery)

Wellies are not good enough to cross this footbridge in the Winterbournes, you need waders,(I speak from experience) (Photo in Gallery)

Maybe not a good time for a picnic (Photo in Gallery)

We may complain but some folk are thoroughly enjoying the floods (Photo in Gallery)