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The Nailbourne river flows through Barham near Canterbury after days of rain

A section of river known to lie dormant for years at a time is flowing through a village after a prolonged period of rain.

The Nailbourne - which meanders its way past a number of settlements surrounding Canterbury - has reached Barham.

The river seen creeping its way into the village yesterday. Video: Isabella Dyer

Last January, heavy rainfall saw the river flow through the village for the first time since the area was hit by flooding six years before, in 2014.

A video captured yesterday by 10-year-old Isabella Dyer shows the river again creeping its way into Barham, towards the village green.

Hours later, almost a year to the day since it happened in 2020, the river was once again in full flow.

And with a yellow warning of rain is set to be in place across Kent later this week, it looks likely the Nailbourne could stay for a while yet, or be set to return soon.

The river flowing through Barham on Sunday. Picture: Caroline Burch
The river flowing through Barham on Sunday. Picture: Caroline Burch

The Met Office has put the alert in place for Wednesday and Thursday, when more heavy rain is expected.

From Barham, the Nailbourne makes its way to the lake at Bourne Park after passing Derringstone and Bishopsbourne.

It later becomes the Little Stour and carries on northwards before it merges into the River Stour at Plucks Gutter, near Sarre.

While no flood warnings have been issued for Barham, alerts have been in place along the River Stour over the weekend.

Last week, sandbags were delivered to at-risk residents across the Canterbury district, and sluice gates were opened due to mounting flood fears.

Horses and riders enjoying the river while it runs through Barham this weekend
Horses and riders enjoying the river while it runs through Barham this weekend

And on Friday, Westgate Gardens was partially flooded after the Stour burst its banks.

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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