By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 12:51, Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Walkers and bird spotters are feeling the aftermath of the weekend’s floods.

Bog footbridge was destroyed. Photo: Rod Phillips

While swift action from emergency services and partner agencies prevented too many buildings from flooding severely, the severe weather took its toll on the natural environment.

Bog footbridge, which crosses the river at Raughton Head as part of the Cumbria Way, was destroyed in the flash floods overnight on Friday and Saturday. The deck, which spans 21ft, was swept away by the force of the water.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria County Council, which has responsibility for the bridge, said they are aware of the damage.

“The county council’s highways team have been down to the site and have safely secured the area, and the bridge will be closed for the foreseeable future,” she explained.

“Going forward the council will be looking at options such as the repair and restoration of the bridge, however our priority now is to ensure the area is kept as safe as possible.”

Walker Rod Phillips said: “The footbridge is an integral part of the area; numerous people enjoy a circular walk from Rose Bridge back up the Cumbria Way, over Bog bridge and up to Raughton Head and back round. It really will be a loss.”

Duddon Bridge and Moresby Park, in Copeland, were both also affected by severe flooding, although the extent of the damage is not yet known.

It is only now, as water levels recede, that bird spotters have also noticed the absence of kingfishers, sand martins and sandpipers, which had all been nesting along the river between Holme Head and Cummersdale. Bob Jones, who is on the Carlisle RSPB committee, confirmed these nests had probably been washed away.

“In flood conditions like that, it is almost routine for this species,” he explained. “A lot of young will get drowned in the nest.

“Unfortunately, this is just nature and, as long as it doesn’t happen every year, it will not have an effect on the population.”

He reassured bird lovers that the species will return – and if water levels reduce swiftly enough, they may have time to lay another brood.

First published at 11:30, Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk