As discussed in previous posts, winter flooding is a natural part of the ecosystem on the nature reserve. But I had always thought of the reserve flooding in the winter and water levels returning to normal in spring and summer.
One thing that the cameras have allowed us to observe this year is just how much the water level changes. We have seen it rise and fall and how quickly this can happen.
The picture below show 4 views through the pond cam.
Image 1 (top left) 11.00am, the water level is well below the camera
Image 2 (top right) 12.00pm the water level is over 1/3 of the way up the camera
Image 3 (bottom left) 1.00pm the camera is now almost completely submerged
Image 4 (bottom right) 2.00pm the camera is completely submerged again.
The pond level is falling again today, just as quickly as it rose on 22nd February.
That’s amazing. It hasn’t even rained today, so where does the water come from? Is it from the tidal river over the bank, or is it up through the bottom of the pond? How do the creatures and plants which live in the pond cope with the changes?
Hi, great questions. The water comes from the winterbourne stream so it is freshwater which flows during the winter months and is part of the watershed for the river Ouse. There is a detailed explanation in an earlier post ‘Natural Winter Flooding’ and a dynamic video showing the flooding in action. Do have a look at this post if you have not already had the change to do so as I think it answers some of your question. I was not on the reserve today but have been watching through the webcams. As the water levels were dropping the tide… Read more »