I just caught the remnants of a downpour crossing from west to east over Upper Ribblesdale today. Although there’s been a great deal of rain hitting the dale during the last couple of weeks, the natural flood plains and water courses have coped well and done the job they’re meant to do. Unfortunately this is not true for other parts of the country, especially in the South West. The weather there has been exceptional but also, irresponsible farming and building have added to the problems in some places. When will we learn that mankind will rarely get the better of Nature?