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Flooding disasters

Increased flooding and rain from climate change can spell disaster. Tidal saltwater surges wipe out freshwater wildlife and birds lose their eggs, nests and young to flooding. Find out how our nature reserves are feeling the effects.

At the mercy of the sea - Dingle Marshes

In November 2007, a combination of high tides and a tidal surge flowing down from the northern North Sea resulted in dramatic flooding on the coast of Eastern England. Warden Scott Paterson shows how Dingle Marshes in Suffolk felt the full force. More...

View across saltmarsh at the RSPB Dingle Marshes nature reserve

Flash flooding - Sandwell Valley

Our nature reserves are already feeling the effects of climate change. Find out about the rollercoaster ride at Sandwell Valley on the edge of Birmingham from site manager, Lee Copplestone. More...

Lapwing bathing

Torrential downpours - a blow to bittern recovery

Heavy rain and flooding can literally wash away the nests, eggs and young of birds. Our Conservation Director, Dr Mark Avery, tells how bitterns at our reserves on the Suffolk coast had their nests washed away. More...

Mark Avery

Washed away - Ouse Washes

Wading birds once found the Ouse Washes an ideal place to raise their young, but increasing spring and summer flooding is making their life very difficult. Andre Farrar reveals how their breeding attempts are being literally washed away. More...

André Farrar - PR Manager and Media spokesman for the RSPB

Saltwater devastation - Strumpshaw Fen

'Salty seawater rushed in and most of the fish in the reedbeds were killed overnight. It was heartbreaking. What were the birds going to eat now?' Warden Tim Strudwick recalls a night of devastation at our Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve. More...

Tim Strudwick, Site Manager at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve