The river Went flows sluggishly through Sykehouse on its way to meet the tidal Don near Thorne. Silt washed off the arable fields upstream clouds its waters and cloaks the banksides when river levels rise. Those levels do rise, twice each day, as huge wooden gates at the mouth of the Went into the Don squeeze shut under the pressure of the rising tides. Prevented from discharging into the larger river, the Went slows to a halt, then backs up, until the receding tide beyond the gates releases its pressure and the gates swing open once again.
Between the watercourse and its earthen floodbank lie wet meadows. Lost beneath standing water throughout most of the winter, they burst into colour and beauty as the floods dry and recede. Many small fields used for hay and aftermath grazing have been placed in the countryside stewardship scheme by local farmers. Every one seems to have at least one brown hare, set to race out before you when disturbed. Lapwings call plaintively overhead, fearful that you might discover their youngsters, though they are well grown by now and most are able to fly. Hidden in the lush growth of sorrel and meadow buttercups lurk curlews, probing the soft mud for food, or raising their bubbling call across the marsh.
This year the winter floods were high and lasted late. Farmhouses built centuries ago on raised mounds have been vulnerable, and sandbags still guard the little-used front doors of several.
In a tiny triangular field alongside the aptly named Marsh Lane, I chance upon a real jewel. Hundreds of common spotted orchids fringe the drier, outer edges, whilst yellow rattle, great burnet and adder's-tongue fern grace the centre.
After checking the floodbank and the field boundary hedgerows for signs of badger, which is why I am here, I pause to take in the multicoloured view. Sykehouse is remote, bounded on two sides by rivers, tucked away in a corner, part forgotten. Half a mile to the east and west the fields open out into modern arable cropping, but the floods from the Went make traditional farming the only sensible option.
