Minibus rescued from Piddle Brook near Naunton Beauchamp

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust's minibus was stuck at the Piddle Brook Meadows nature reserve, near Naunton Beauchamp.

A spokesperson said: "Oops. The Piddle Brook burst its banks recently and the quickly rising water nearly caught out our reserves team.

"Fortunately they were able to rescue the minibus before it floated off.

"There was a suggestion of adding an amphibious vehicle to our fleet though for future visits to Piddle Brook Meadows."

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A spokesperson for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust said: "Following last week’s rain, our volunteer team were caught by the rising waters of the Piddle Brook as it broke out of its banks, flooding our Piddle Brook Meadows nature reserve.

"Our colleague, Tom, had parked the volunteers’ minibus in the morning as the team set off to undertake some routine work elsewhere on the reserve.

"When they returned to the minibus, which was fortunately parked on a high point, Tom had to wade across a dip in the land to reach it and drive it off-site.

"Fortunately, no harm was done – except to Tom’s wellies, socks and pride."

The nature reserve consists of a series of wildflower-rich fields that run alongside the Piddle Brook in the south of the county.

The fields are rich in wildlife and play an important role in slowing the flow of floodwater from downstream.

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Piddle Brook Meadows in May. (Image: Wendy Carter)

In heavy rainfall, the brook breaks its banks and floods the meadows and water is released more slowly, which helps to alleviate flooding downstream.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust manages almost 3,000 acres of land for wildlife and works with others to encourage and help them to manage their land, from gardens to farms and community green spaces, for wildlife.