Tag: Essex

Out for a much-needed walk at lunchtime, my way was blocked by the high tide. I like it like this, the river showing us our place. Before the flood barrier was built across the River Colne and the flood plain was claimed by property developers, there were sand bags galore and you could take a boat to the pub door. The flood barrier has now, perhaps ironically, contributed to the riverbed silting up. I fantasise about winning the lottery so that I can buy a dredger. In the meantime, I get a text saying ‘Hello from the Environment Agency’ to warn me that my address is at risk of flooding. They reassure me that they’ll call with any flood warnings. For now, I keep my eye on the tide mark in the old shipyard dock outside with a wry smile on my face.