After a hectic couple of weeks, we’re now able to draw breath and assess the full scope of the floods that hit Cumbria a fortnight ago. The initial priority was coping with the immediate situation, helping our tenants and neighbours and protecting people and property. Now we’re moving on from “emergency” phase to the “clear up” and beginning to plan for the future. The emerging picture is one of heavily localised damage, specifically in places such as Ullswater, Buttermere and Coniston. Amazing amounts of gravel and stone have been washed into roads, while many walls and fences have been swept away. Numerous bridges have been damaged and many paths have disappeared. Over 20 houses and farms have suffered substantial damage and many others have been affected to one degree or another. We have re-housed a number of tenants and will continue to help others where we can. To date, we’ve identified over £300,000 of work needed in the countryside that’s not covered by insurance. On the up side, there is a strong determination to get things back on track - both in people’s homes and across the local economy. We’re committed to playing our role in that. With the help of a small army of passionate volunteers, our wardens are now working on this mammoth task - whether it’s clearing debris from the head of Coniston or flooded buildings, diverting becks away from buildings and back to their original course or rebuilding paths, bridges and walls. In the longer term, we’re working with others to look at what we must do to cope with and adapt to such events and the likely impacts of a changing climate. We’re immensely grateful for all the support that our supporters have already given. Although the immediate crisis has passed, there’s no doubt we’ll be dealing with the aftermath of the floods for many months to come. Any help that you can give, whether it’s continuing to visit the Lakes and supporting the local communities, volunteering your help or donating to the Lake District Flood Appeal, will be very much appreciated.