East Waste

Glastonbury Tor – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7699

In recent years it has become obvious to all that the Somerset Levels are prone flooding.  Today I visited an area that is frequently under water.

East Waste

East Waste, and its neighbour West Waste, are an area of the levels south of the island and small village of Godney.  Historically this area has been one of the wettest and was one of the last to have a drainage plan.  The medieval Meare Pool was just to the west.  The river Brue once flowed on its natural path to the east.  Now it flows to the south but it is higher than the surrounding land so does little to drain the wastes.

Godney Farm – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7760

The land is more than 10 miles inland but only 4 metres above sea level.  Today it lies between the rivers Sheppy and Brue. Water management on the Somerset Levels is complex with grips, rhymes, drains, rivers , sluice gates and pumps.  Some areas such as Southlake, near Langport, are allowed to flood to protect the neighbouring villages.  I understand this is not the case with East Waste.  Talking to the local farmers the rise in water can be sudden needed them to move livestock to higher ground very quickly.

Batch Farm – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7740

There are few public footpaths on this part of the levels.  An exception is the short stretch of the Diversion Rhyne and follows around Batch Farm that provides views across to Godney Farm with its church.

Glastonbury Tor

The tor is one of Somerset’s famous landmarks and can be seen from most of the Somerset Levels.

East Waste in flood – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7738

Evening Draws In

In the distance golden evening colours develop above and below the horizon.

East Waste in flood – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7720

The flooded area is huge.

East Waste in flood – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7770

The sky darkens across to Glastonbury Tor.

East Waste in flood – Somerset, UK. ID 824_8171

As the light fades a breeze gathers strength rippling the water surface destroying the reflections – time to go home.

East Waste in flood – Somerset, UK. ID 824_7186