Estate's rainwater tanks will help combat drought

A National Trust property in one of the driest parts of the country has fitted rainwater storage tanks to help combat problems with drought and keep its gardens in good condition during the summer.

Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire has 15 new tanks and a pumping system in its Walled Gardens after receiving a government grant.

The introduction will allow the estate to save about 5,700 gallons (about 26,000 litres) of water a year.

Head gardener Ciaran Taylor said: "With the new monitoring systems, we can continually track usage, replenishment and safety of the supply."

The grant was made by the Water Efficiency Cambridgeshire Fund.

The estate said it hoped the storage tanks would ensure the garden's flower and produce beds could be watered during periods of low rainfall.

A rainwater-capture capacity of 1,100 gallons (5,000 litres) was integrated into the Walled Garden Glasshouse when it was built in 2015.

In August, the estate said it was facing a hay shortage as grass growth had stalled in drought conditions, with livestock being given winter feed.

"The enhanced water source will allow us to continue our drive for water-efficiency, even in the dry seasons," said Taylor.

The National Trust site has recorded an "abundance" of wildlife, with more than 5,000 species recorded in the last five years despite being in one of England's driest areas.

Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.