Fortunately, persistently heavy rainfall on several consecutive days is very rare here and the river is able to carry much of it away before land-drains and ditches discharge yet more water on its journey down to the Stour.

It is also fortunate that the Environment Agency is getting on with work to replace floodgates and the five gates at the Croft are now fully operational, helping to control the flow depending on weather conditions.

With a changing climate, however, it is possible very wet spells of weather will become more frequent. For the most part, Sudbury's riverside flood plain has not been compromised by development and will continue to act as a temporary reservoir in times of excessive rainfall.


Signs of spring gather apace and seem to confirm that the climate is warming. For the past 15 years or so, the hedge bordering North Meadow Common has received an annual trim.

The daffodils along the hedge line have benefited and over the intervening years have increased enormously, as more light filters through than when the hedge was tall and overgrown.

Originally, the trimming took place at the end of February, before the birds began nesting, but this has had to be undertaken earlier and earlier as the daffodils appear to push up sooner.

This year the hedge was trimmed in mid-January and yet some bulbs were already showing flower buds, so future trimming might need to be carried out in December.

It is important to maintain the balance so birds can feed on autumn berries on the meadow side of the hedge before trimming takes place.

Out in the countryside, earlier signs of spring are also evident. In woodlands, cuckoo pints are pushing through bare damp soil and unfurling deep green leaves, heralding a new year of growth. Already the pale green-flowered dog's mercury is well advanced, while hazel catkins are also lengthening and colouring to pale yellow.

Very close examination will reveal small crimson female flowers. Annual dyke management is carried out this month.

Ditches and ponds will be cleared to stop them silting up and losing their increasing wildlife value. It is sensible to avoid these spoil areas when they are newly deposited.

They soon dry out and become colonised by native grasses and plants during the growing season. Pollarding work to the Brundon Lane trees will also be completed during February.