Happy New Year! South bridle path flooded by sewage works.

A belated happy new year in what could be an auspicious year for Manor farm and the Longwater road nature reserve.  Both may actually be opened officially as Cemex, Inert and contractors complete restoration work. Naturally, there will be fettling and other small pieces of work, but the installation of fencing, crossing over the Colebrook by the Longwater road entrance, and sluice gates should allow the reserve to be open to the public.

One immediate piece of fettling that needs to be done pdq, is the flooding of the south bridlepath just north of the sewage works. I've been warning, for some time now, that this portion of the bridlepath will be under water during the winter months. Sure enough, as with last year and previous years, this whole area (including the Blackwater valley footpath) is under up to six inches of water. Note, water levels would have receded a fair amount due an unusual period of dryness - indeed, we witnessed this on the footpaths we traverse during our morning walks.

I photographed the bridlepath yesterday (Tuesday) when I returned to Manor farm since 16th November 2023. During my hiatus, the weather has been particularly bad; either horribly overcast, raining or, in many instances, both. The Christmas period was very wet, with torrential rain falling on saturated ground, thus causing flooding.

Note, however, that the area north of the sewage works floods regularly every year. It takes a particularly dry autumn and winter for it not to flood.

I reckon that remedial work will require drainage pipes to be installed under the bridlepath, the height of the bridlepath needs to be raised by at least 12 inches (30cm), and the area (including the Blackwater valley footpath) drained properly into the Blackwater river. These actions need to be repeated along various sections of the bridlepath between the grey box and sewage works. I have photographed bits along this section that flooded earlier in the autumn.

Otherwise, what of Manor farm in general. Well, firstly it should come as no surprise that Inert have not returned to Manor farm or Chandlers farm. All is as was before work ceased last year.

Secondly, the water levels in Manor lake, Finch pond and the reed beds are high, but do not look high; partly due to banking and partly due to run off into Fleet Hill farm - I didn't venture here to check on flooding. Sadly, the depth of water in the lakes and reed beds are still low compared the once mighty status of Manor lake, Cormorant lake and Finch pond.

Thirdly, vegetation has taken hold over much of the recent workings, giving the area a softer, 'lived in' look.