This picnic bench has been near the Thames in Barton Meadows through many winters. It has always appeared robust but is definitely showing its age.

These trees fell into the lower Ock during the July floods last year. The high water will soften their remaining hold on earth.

Over the Marina houses, gulls trail across, and then gather. A few scatter and scout close to ground in search of food, before moving on, back to the rubbish-filled gravel pits south of Abingdon.

The flooded fields and high rivers are not unusual for this time of year. But last summer we saw the water going up to the next level. It gives ‘pause for thought’.