Meare Pool

Abbot’s Fish House – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5297

In medieval times Meare Pool was a large fishery pool.  But in the 18th century it was drained and today it no longer exists.  But with all the rain recently we have the chance to re-imagine it as floods cover the fields around the village of Meare.

Great White Egret – Westhay Moor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_4966

Flooded Meare Pool – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5342

The current route of the River Brue flows north of Meare.  The water level was very high, however it still managed to get under the Manor Farm bridge.

Meare Manor Farm Bridge – Meare, Somerset, UK. IMG_1636

Either side of the main arch are a pair of flood arches.  Just as well.

Flood arches of Meare Manor Farm Bridge – Meare, Somerset, UK. IMG_1660

I loved this little wren spending time calling out across the River Brue.  Hopefully its home was not flooded out.

Wren – Alongside the River Brue in flood, Meare, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_2183

I regularly watch starlings return each day to roost at Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath.  But it is sometimes just as interesting to watch them gather and return to the neighbouring fields across the countryside.

Starling Gate – River Brue, Meare, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_1957

Across the flooded fields were flocks of black-headed gulls. I not sure why these gulls and not our regular herring gulls.

Black-headed Gulls on flooded Meare Pool – Meare, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_1827

And finally…

The sky above the flooded fields was a soup of sea birds mixed with a few starlings. Fabulous!

Flocks – Above Westhay Moor, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_4627