Once or twice each winter, the river in Melksham floods over the surrounding fields, and I was mad enough to go out and take some pictures.


West Country farmers across what should be a field

This picture shows very clearly how the river Avon has broken its banks over the flood plain - those two avenues of trees are on what is normally the dry land of the two banks.

The course of the river Avon in Melksham


Another flooded field

Even well back from the river, there are trees standing in the water

Lake Melksham

There's a proposal - which we support - to bring the Wilts and Berks Canal back to Melksham. The original course through the town has been built on, and the current proposal is that it should follow the course of the river. There's even talk of a water park ... so perhaps these pictures are a portent of things to come. Here are some further pictures with the river at a more normal level


Loops on the River Avon


Melksham Flood plain - the meandering Avon