Answers to flood trail questions
Location 2
? Why is it useful to have the embankment close to the houses and not the river?
This allows the river to flood over an extensive area before the water reaches the embankment
? What is the land on the riverside used for? Why is there little development here?
The land is used for recreation and as playing fields. This area is allowed to flood and so is not developed.
Location 3
? The bank is mid-way between the riverbank and the bluff- Why?
This allows a protected playing field and a flood storage area
? There is evidence here of mole and rabbit activity. Why is this a problem?
Moles and rabbits burrow, producing holes that the water can seep through leading to potential bank collapse.
? Why are the sides of this embankment gently sloping? Why not just build a wall?
A gently sloping wall is less likely to collapse under pressure, is more easily maintained, can be mown and less costly to construct.
Location 5
? What sacrifice has been made to allow for the defences?
The steps and gates will make it more difficult to launch boats. One of the boathouse gates can no longer be used at all.
? How might these defences be a target for vandals?
Vandals cover them with graffiti and use them as a means to access the roof of the building. They have also interfered with the gate locks, leading to a potential breach in the defences.
? What do the bricks, landscaping and underground steel sheeting achieve?
Bricks make the defences look more attractive; steel sheeting underground provides support for the walls and ...