A BIG clean up has taken place at Charlecote Park in the wake of the worst flooding in over a decade.
A team of staff and volunteers have spent a week pulling together for the clean up which was also geared at addressing the long term impacts of repeated flooding throughout winter and spring.
The National Trust property, near Wellesbourne, is situated upstream from Stratford and has the River Avon and the River Dene running through the site. After persistent heavy rain throughout winter and spring, both rivers burst their banks causing extensive flooding in the parkland and in the basement of the house on five occasions.
The flooding forced the property to close for 24 days, including during some of its busiest times, and has had a lasting impact on the parklands, gardens and house.
General manager Rebecca Watson said: “After each of the floods, our staff and volunteers pulled together to address the immediate damage and reopen the property, but the parkland still bears scars with large branches strewn across the deer sanctuary, and lots of debris and waste stuck against the fencing.
“Our Big Clean Up has brought 73 members of staff and volunteers together who have done a brilliant job of clearing debris, picking litter and moving timber in record time. Thanks to all those who donated a few hours of their time, we achieved results that would have taken our small Park and Gardens teams weeks or even months.
“I’m so proud of what’s been achieved in such a short space of time and would like to thank everyone involved.”
