Wyre Council Information Sign outlining local wildlife and function of the Flood Storage Basin, Garstang, Lancashire, UK
This information sign, at the Garstang Flood Storage Basin, is in an area used to store excess floodwater at times of flooding. Besides summarising the wildlife in the River Wyre and surrounding countryside (Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, White Throat, Tree Sparrow, Tree Creeper, Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Goldfinch, Sparrow Hawk, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Goosander, Dipper, Sea Trout, Eel, Chub), it includes a photograph of the raised sluice gates at the Flood Barrier and outlines the use of the Garstang Flood Storage Basin: ''Flooding from the River Wyre has always been a concern, especially for the areas of Garstang and St Michael's. Following severe flooding in 1980 the flood basin at Garstang and Catterall was created. Since then there have been several flood events. However the basin prevented major flooding to property. The Environment Agency manages the Flood Basin. When river levels are high and the flood barrier raised, the Millennium Green, as well as surrounding land is flooded in a controlled manner. This helps to protect people and property from flooding in downstream communities. Wherever possible affected landowners are informed before the basin is used.' The River Wyre responds rapidly to heavy rain. The steep slopes, thin soils and impermeable bedrock of the upper catchment in the Forest of Bowland give rise to the rapid overland flow of rainwater. The downstream discharge meeting tidal waters flooding upstream from Fleetwood, where the Wyre enters the sea, also worsened flooding in the past. When raised, the flood barrier sluice gates hold back upper catchment floodwaters, without entirely blocking the flow of the river.
Size: 3578px × 4452px
Location: Information Sign, Flood Storage Basin, Millennium Green, Garstang, Lancashire, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © robert harrison / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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