Locking, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK

13th January 23

A friend of mine, who, like me, is named Ian and is also a photographer, lives very near to Maltlands Pond. He voluntarily, keeps an eye on the habitat. A couple of days ago he rang to tell me that the water levels, due to recent rainfall, were rising and maybe I should consider, with photography in mind, visiting the pond

I did so yesterday to find the path around the pond is currently under water, though one can still walk around the water-logged grassy edges provided suitable footwear is worn. No one was fishing – understandably!

The overfill water level has been bringing up and out to the banks; bottles[glass and plastic types]; cans, plastic bags and wrapping; indeed all sorts of undesirable detritus.

Ian, along with a volunteer, has, as I write this piece, collected six 80 litre wheelie bins of the stuff and is hoping to return today to continue the task. In any case the pond – high water level and flooding aside – already looks much cleaner and healthier.

More rain overnight and today could see the pond overflow into the run-off sluice. I've no idea what this will do or mean to the fish and other aquatics. The birds are fewer at this time of year and those that stay seem to be okay. Oh, and the brown rats are sure to return once the water levels subsides. Some things never change.

Discuss...

https://i-davis.carrd.co https://snap.as/unaoculusaperta https://unaoculusaperta.weebly.com

#Maltlands #MaltlandsPond #BlackAndWhitePhotography #Flooding