160. What Caused the Flooding? A Theory - Living Alone in Wales (November 2024)

Returning to the homestead to see what damage there is after Storm Bert earlier this week.
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Video Journal about life in Wales after living in London for 20 years. With dreams of growing food and flowers on a smallholding / homestead. Aiming to become fitter and healthier in my 50s.
#seanjamescameron #livingalone #wales #slowliving #slowlivinglifestyle #slowlivingvlog #stormbert

[@gilbert7794]

This is why we need more trees as they soak up thousands of litres of water.

[@debz_vegplot]

I am adamant that a lot of the flooding around is due to them not doing the ditches and river dredging anymore. The river that runs through the local town is so full of reeds and silt, it cannot take the water anymore. Plus they have built on so much the the surrounding floodplain !.

[@RS-cp5wc]

Climate change grift is the gift that that keeps giving. Bit like the old ' due to Covid' signs.

[@colleenmckinlay2916]

So glad all is safe and sound on the homestead. The river looks so much calmer now- not the roaring ,torrent ! Here in BC erosion of the land and clear cutting our trees has led to many horrible mudslides down the mountains and homes completely demolished. The trees hold the land together during our constant rainfalls. You would think our forestry departments would learn. Yes, they reforest with small trees when they clear cut but it takes years for those trees to provide the root structure to hold the land together. Logging practices are gradually improving but tough lessons have been learned and relearned just as you mentioned in your neck of the woods. Nature has a way of looking after itself if only man would listen and take heed. Looking forward to seeing you build your pond and a waterfall feature sounds amazing. Always a project Sean. Now, onward to Christmas and a warm and cozy indoor month. 💕👍🏻

[@LeeJahn-ih9xu]

Spot on Sean, they clear / fell the trees and disregard the left over branches etc, trees are so important… I am planting out my few acres, even have the delight of picking acorns which have now taken so I have 3 oaks to plant out … plant trees like your life depends on it, for it does ❤

[@stevenjones4295]

There is a lot of free stone around the river you can use to build the waterfall

[@ReneeinVirginia]

With all of the technology in the world, there's still no communication. The homestead is such a peaceful place. We had Thanksgiving today (Thurs) in the USA. Holidays are so much work for the person who does the cooking and decorating. But, keep calm and carry on, right?

[@maryannjordan8143]

Can’t help but comment, big hugs,it’s a lot of work, but you get rewarded with the memories, and a lot of leftovers, today I finished the leftover stuffing with a fried egg for breakfast, I still don’t think I will have to cook anything for a few days. Hope you have an excellent weekend.

[@glynthomas7213]

The trees and their roots on the mountain hold the earth and rocks together stopping the erosion of rain during storms . You are right many have learned this lesson the hard way .

[@kitty320]

I do enjoy your reflections whilst you are in your allotment (homestead). I have a small allotment in the heart of Durham city. It is beautiful and filled with robins. I love it when dusk starts to fall and the light begins to fade that seems to be when they come to life, flying all around. I am also enjoying your other channel as I lived in Upper Sydenham for 2 1/2 1998-2001. I am a longtime subscriber to what Vivi did next. 😊

[@stephenbowker824]

We’re sat in Anglesey North Wales at 10.28sm 30/11/24 and we’ve just watched you in mid/ south Wales at 4.30pm on the same day. The time difference is amazing 😅

[@thestu4602]

Thanks for sharing, one issue with marking the tree with a ribbon for the floodwater........It grows

[@serenadm6619]

Good point :)

[@elainecoad205]

So glad to see that the homestead was not damaged. Will you finish painting the shed and summerhouse in December to protect them from the elements or will that have to wait till spring? Sorry don't know much about these things. A waterfall at your pond would be lovely. I'm sure you could find a solar powered one somewhere x

[@andrewwinslet]

Trees grow from their shoot tips so the ribbon will stay at the same height. For instance, fences attached to tree trunks don’t rise up as time passes by.

[@ballysillanallotment-man5793]

Yes we can do this and do that to hold back the flooding but nature always wins the main trouble is we have built houses and towns where they shouldn't be

[@tybash1]

lol cup of tea and to break wind! lol I’m not sure if this will apply to you sean but if we plastic up anything in the PNW ( Pacific Northwest) we would have a major mold problem on our hands. If it was me I’d put those windows in and open up your summer house to light! Mold is very hard to get rid of here. Our climate is very similar to yours!!!!

[@Denise_B17]

Thank you for updating us on the flood. Just glad your homestead was saved. Glad you didn't get flooded. Have a great weekend.

[@martinchamberlain8517]

Our allotments flooded in North Cardiff and another 6 inches and the Taff would have breached the flood defences. Initial data is saying that Pontypridd had more rainfall in 12 hours that they would get in the all of November Also, due to the rapid increase in temperature they was a thaw of the snow in the Beacons which added the water in the Taff. Whilst having your allotment flooded is annoying it's nothing compared to having your house under water. The major recent floods in the area have been 1960,1979,2020 and 2024.

[@serenadm6619]

My mum had to chop some trees down near her garage as neighbours complained about them, since then her garage floods whenever there is rain. I think the trees drink a lot of the water as well, trees are great protectors of the planet, you always find when they chop them down there are floods:(

[@cazp64]

December! A perfect time to get out with a camera.

[@SuzyCrofts]

I watch you on TV before watching comment on my phone . All looks good waterfall sounds nice . Your still adorable .

[@alisonparsons9609]

Hi Suzy, yes, Sean is adorable. I've become a groupie 😆. It's just dark and miserable here in South Wales. Xx

[@SuzyCrofts]

@alisonparsons9609 Wales looks lovely .I've never been .it's strange weather here warm but wet love the accent 😊

[@alisonparsons9609]

@SuzyCrofts Well, at least it's warm, saves on expensive heating bills. The utilities are so expensive here in the UK. Yes, Wales is beautiful, and we're great singers here, too. Yes, you should visit. I am absolutely 💯 obsessed with daffodils, I just love the spring and as a little girl I used to love going to school on 1st March on St David's Day, in my little Welsh Lady Costume. Sending love. Xx

[@SuzyCrofts]

@alisonparsons9609 oh sounds lovely . Yes I've heard singers absolutely beautiful voices 😊

[@sarahstrong7174]

The Robins song is such a delight.

[@robynlancaster6919]

What a relief Sean! All is well with the homestead- Very good news.

[@Almond001]

1000s of years ago, great Britain was covered in forests naturally and man eventually cut the vast majority down for building and fuel. A tree will naturally grow in almost any soil. Only on bare rock like mountains is where trees won't grow.

[@Lakeviews]

Sean it's good to see the homestead is not damaged.with regards to the flooding if the council pulled there finger out there is al ot they could do to prevent this happening again like Dredging the river,putting in Retention Basins installing Wetland Restoration and Riparian Buffers along riverbanks can stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and absorb floodwaters. I nearly spat my coffee out when you said you need to go a break wind at the end of the video 🤣 .

[@lynnegunns604]

I know December is not a very nice month, but I would spend whatever dry days down there Allotment doing the winter jobs. Because in the spring all hell will bright loose and you won’t have a minute.. but don’t worry you go and have a cup of tea and break wind 😂😂😂

[@tybash1]

I about shot coffee out my nose when he said that!!!! lol 😂

[@nickburton9549]

"What caused the flooding?" PROBABLY A LOT OF RAINFALL SEAN. 😅

[@Jane_and_Meg]

Hi Sean, brilliant news re the Homestead! So pleased it wasn't ruined! I think your theory could be spot on. Unfortunately, these days it's all about getting the job done as quickly and cheaply as possible - no care or pride taken in a task anymore. Same here in Norfolk re cold, I was out in the garden today doing more cutting back and re-covering the plants - the fleece will stay on this time as I've made them more secure! Temps going down to poss -1 tonight. I was out about 10.30am and was in by 1.30pm as by 2 the temp really drops quickly! I don't like the damp cold! You did make me laugh with your "passing" comment at the end, Sean, TMI! 😅 Take care, catch up soon.

[@jpennturner]

My garden is near a river and floods onto the vegetable patch several times a year nowadays, didn't used to but vast housing estates have been built upstream on land that usually used to hold floods. Have to adapt to what cannot be changed so have raised beds now.

[@user-fs6ou3fk9p]

That's so disappointing. Here in Oregon USA they require developments to put in ponds that hold back the runoff for a more normal result. They also put in water plants to clean the water.

[@cessiewayman2672]

Lovely to have a robin! I’ve one in my garden who’s a cheeky little chap!

[@kathypearson6886]

I was sad to see them clear cutting the mountain. Profits over our environment. Glad your homestead and home were spared.

[@ksweet696]

It'd be cool at some point to have a little flat spot on the bank with a close view of the river. Then you could take a stool or chair there on occasion and sit and enjoy the view. But I suppose it'd have to be made to resist being washed away during floods. But it's such a blessing to have "your own piece of river," so a place to sit near and enjoy it would be great.

[@Daydreamer-o1m]

Lower Troedyrhiw would often get flooded from water from the mountain

[@JohnJones-fk6ti]

To a large company the valleys people are just not important 😢

[@lynneharris7628]

We took down 12 , 45 foot trees in our garden ( they were forrest trees not garden trees). Bottom of our garden flooded one year. Trees drink alot of water. So we replanted hedges and afew trees suitable for a garden. Also got a digger in to put in 4 drainage pipes . It workes well . More trees are needed on the mountains and moorlands to prevent flooding.

[@douglasgosney9172]

Well done Sean another great video 👏

[@Taylor-xv2vc]

Looking forward to seeing you on Christmas morning Sean x Living the homestead dream through you..

[@margidaly6874]

A huge relief so thankful the homestead is intact. Keep warm rest in December 😊

[@kasandrabrown8611]

It's great to see almost everything intact

[@rowenaazimi9040]

I'm glad the homestead is fine. I am looking forward to vlogmas

[@andrewramsey7405]

Trees also take water from the ground, so removing them won't stop floods. I don't why they remove. Enjoy your channel mate.

[@carolearrowsmith2461]

So glad the Homesteads ok🐞

[@motivationalquotes7195]

I personally think that most of rivers and ditches in the country, could do with a good drench. Then hopefully this will help with all of the flooding that’s happening in towns and villages.👍

[@sabinekoch3448]

I thoroughly enjoyed Ben Hur- a bit disappointed that you’re not going to treat us…😉

[@susangrindle7426]

Glad the homestead stayed intact. The leeks are looking well. Nowt like having a good fart 😂😂😂😂. What you like 😂

[@sharonheppell8378]

Sooo Glad you finished vloging before you broke Wind!!!!😂🤪🤣 Always a pleasure Sean 🙏 ☺️ ❤

[@Fire-gv2wz]

Good all is ok for you. My daughter lives by the river bottom end of Merthyr and like your river it was very close Sunday morning 😅. Where did you pick your Christmas tree up from please. Looks like the blue one is it Thank you.

[@seanjamescameron]

Picea Pungens Edith Blue Colorado Spruce Tree 2.5-3ft Large in a 7.5 Litre Pot from directplants.co.uk.

[@annieknight71]

Very happy you didn’t have any losses from the flooding.

[@kimellis9347]

Protecting people and the environment costs money for these corporations. Good luck trying to get them to be responsible unless they are forced to. Here in the US, it’s cheaper for them to pay the fines than to do the right thing :(

[@carolvenables3970]

Awww x

[@JohnCunningham-y2t]

"The best fertilizer for the land is the footprints of its owner".. LBJ

[@DiSWRwow77]

My robin was waiting 4 me this morning - asking for some malted milk bickie. It comes right up by my leg. Luv robins. Can u protect your side of the bank for future to avoid flooding?

[@valbarber2818]

So pleased you have come out unscathed from the flood.

[@darraghkelly6417]

Hi Sean is it normal for tulips to be above soill in late November while in a pot outside. From Republic of ireland

[@seanjamescameron]

In recent years both tulips and daffodils have popped up at this time of year but they will stop growing soon; then when Spring arrives they will jump back into life and you'll get an early flower.

[@darraghkelly6417]

@seanjamescameron okay thank you. I hope you stay safe during the recent floods and high water level in wales. We had 1.5 inches of rain fall here last weekend

[@ianmccaughan7121]

I have an Environmental licence to burn Rubbish from by gardening business .So the guys that cut the trees could have some big bonfires to clear the land .

[@lyndaself9163]

You’re end comment did make me laugh 😂

[@valiantval6539]

Thank you for a short while of sanity and peace in this mixed up world .

[@annasyndergaard1162]

They should plant a new tree for every one that they take down. It only makes sense to protect the environment and the village. It's good that you have a recorded record so you can see how high the river got. Your plans for your Homestead are great. I love to hear the birds and listen to the sound of the river. Nature is so calming and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your life with us. God bless you always.

[@alisonparsons9609]

@annasyndergaard1162 I think you can have a tree planted instead of a gravestone and have your ashes put underneath. I've told my son's to do this for me. The grandchildren, which I might not ever meet, could know that Nana Ali is below there, lol. Xx

[@falusitablet8747]

Hi Sean. Glad the homestead wasn't harmed. Clear cutting is messing with nature! Logging companies are not obligated to clean up, they're there to haul the money, what doesn't make money they leave behind. Traditionally, they do not replant. Clean up and replanting eat into profits. Damage from Logging, and deforestation is huge here in Canada, land erosion, and dry open land from removing trees contribute to forest fires. Trees equal moist environments. Farmers needing more grazing or planting, will burn the trees to obtain Ash for fertility, which only lasts approximately 2 years, then do it again in another area. Cities clear for roads etc., if you get a ton of snow like we do, the runoff in spring can and has brought massive flooding, with it comes trees come with it, rivers get blocked, and swell, breaking the banks. If there is not adequate shoring, as in your little river, water will cause crazy damage. I wouldn't be tempted as someone has suggested in the comments to remove any of the free bricks, or cut back the bracken, looks like it's your only meager defense. I'd actually be throwing any bricks or rocks I find on the land into a wired fence to help my bank.

[@Grumpycat0405]

Hi Sean, good to know you are ok. How do you know when the leeks are ready to harvest?

[@JohnCunningham-y2t]

Just became aware of your podcast. Enjoy the peacefull tone of the videos and the talk. Yes , the talk of sanity. Thanks Again. Just subscribed..

[@ChristineHillier67]

Good morning Sean Your theory about the river does seem to have relevance, a lot of cut backs are made on clearing drains, course ways and dredging rivers as a way to save money, but in the end you pay the higher price of clearing up after the flooding. It's nice to hear you are taking your foot off the gas partially, it will still be busy for you none the less even if you are not at the homestead. Better out than in i always say when you break wind as long as there is no one in earshot 😂 Take care Sean 💜

[@lindaannelineharwood4891]

Sean, so glad it all went well for you. What you said all makes sense. Grateful for a short video that confirmed you and homestead csm thru Bert ok. Prayers have followed you. Let us know if you need anything.....

[@lesleygascoyne7428]

Hi Sean thank you for the follow up video. That was so scary the force of the water. I know you are so busy but I am bothered about that hanging green netting near your shed. I've seen little birds getting trapped in it. Could it be snizzored off. Kind regards Lesley

[@glynthomas7213]

Where ever you be let your wind blow free , a quote from Robbie Burns the Bard, you are in good company Sean . 😅

[@clarerobbins37]

Break wind 😂😂

[@sandrabeach7407]

Robins have the sweetest song❤️

[@MarleneCurrie-j5e]

The Homestead survived the storm. Somebody is looking out for you and keeping you safe. Interesting to hear what may have been the probable cause of all the flooding and not blaming the poor old river.

[@ianrobert6239]

Is it a river or a stream Sean?

[@seanjamescameron]

River by the homestead but the streams were blocked which caused the trouble. The river acted as it should have.

[@mamamoomin]

Think you are spot on about the trees Sean. Also, if there's money to be made in anything they don't care about the consequences.

[@lesleywurwal8805]

Interesting thoughts Sean.

[@carmelrickman9748]

Hope you enjoyed your brew and fart in equal measure Sean 😆

[@dorothywilliams9967]

Haha!.... that will clear the blockages!

[@Tullywitch06]

Glad to see that the homestead is safe.😊

[@brendatucker35]

Thanks for the update on the homestead, glad it's ok! Glad the river wasn't to blame. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ahughes981]

Hope you had a good hot cuppa and broke the wind.

[@carolynjones6524]

Keep farming Sean😊😊😊😊

[@marisayoung8670]

Good news! Thanks for the info.

[@carols1030]

Clearcut logging produces the same effect in BC Canada.

[@jeansmith3367]

Glad all is well

[@maryannjordan8143]

Glad to see you safe and not swimming 😊 take care

[@lararain2801]

TMI @ end of upload Sean 🤭 glad its not 'smellavision' 😝 glad

[@Tandenloos]

Nice to see its oké with the homestaed😊😊

[@stevendowden2579]

nice video

[@alysonwilliams2543]

💦

[@AlevelChemistrymadeeasy-q9j]

Climate change is the real problem not twigs. Just trying to blame the council/forestry is a little odd IMO. The rain is so intense that the water has to go somewhere.

[@seanjamescameron]

Yes it would go into the streams, if they weren’t blocked with twigs and branches.

[@LeeJonesNPT]

The area that flooded in Dunraven St has flooded many times in the past. Unfortunately it is the lowest point in the village and excess water always makes its way to that point which should in theory be the river. However houses being built at that point over 100 yrs ago now collect that water. The forestry land is owned by Natural Resources Wales who took over from the forestry commission. They also replaced the environment agency in Wales and are responsible for flood prevention, etc. The fact that trees have been felled is a red herring, the problem was a months rain fell in a day, that is why the drains became blocked and homes were flooded. Why we had a months rain in a day and why this type of weather event is occurring is the question to be answered.

[@CristineOsborne-x7y]

Hello Sean so glad to see you and the homestead are alright. Love from Devon.

[@annjarvis9300]

Nice to see you and Homestead safe 🙏🏻go out to others tc now keep safe n well the oldies 🤞👍

[@hilaryporter7841]

Think you must be talking about those wealthy landowners who make money from the Forestry Commission. Cutting down the trees would be termed 'forestry maintenance'. They have ingenious schemes to make money and not pay tax. Whats a bit of local flooding against all those lovely tax free gains? You may have hit the nail on the head!

[@Christine-il8nm]

Thx sean learnt a lot

[@allenbrown8158]

You cant beat a good fart. lol

[@Jay-Leigh]

Agreed with everything go I said Sean. ❤ J&J

[@barrybridgeford530]

A forested slope will interrupt the falling rain, absorb some, reduce its impact and simply slow down its surface flow. However, when the forest is removed, the falling rainfall will fully impact the exposed soil, erode it and allow it to scour the now exposed forest floor material .. which will accelerate downhill, water and debris together! In the case of your village, this muddy debris appear to have plugged-up the storm drains and caused the localized flooding. Removing trees on a slope should be done in stages over the years, preserving lateral rows of trees and their undisturbed forest floor to continue to control flooding. Then after years have passed and new undergrowth has been re-established in the cut rows, the remaining rows of trees can be harvested. To simply clear cut entire hillsides is inviting disaster! Here in Canada, I served on an advisory board with the Algonquin Forestry Authority where sustainable logging practices are well established. It sounds to me like Wales should enforce similar sustainable logging practices!

[@mrsplumbridge4888]

I think you're right Sean. Like any local or national government they don't give a monkeys when it comes down to it. Oh, unless it affects their homes 😉 Such cynical, bitter words 😂

[@thunderhead180]

Glorious

[@GeorgeHuez]

Don’t they say that you are meant to sow your onion seeds on Christmas Day? Love your channel Sean you are great. Stay well!

[@seanjamescameron]

Boxing Day for onions.

[@nathandavies2508]

Very well said !! SJC

[@roscowoodward6037]

Xmas tree for good fortune and luck, people of faith decorate from 12th Dec to 12 days after Xmas day total of 24 .. I'd put hay over the potatoes or cardboard. Glad the river has calmed down. Glad your sheds are ok and you can have less stress. 😊

[@rosemariesmith349]

They have decommissioned water retainers in UK and other countries, they also stopped dreging rivers of rubbish because of the micro life,

[@christinaplaisted9563]

❤❤❤

[@kasandrabrown8611]

It's amazing that the Rhondda Valley doesn't understand forestry practices

[@gailcarey7679]

you have hit the nail on the head Sean.

[@MaureenMcm]

Sean, check out Merlin's magic compost, made in Wales, apparently it's the bees knees and cheap

[@seanjamescameron]

Will do. Thanks.

[@MaureenMcm]

@seanjamescameron you're welcome lovely. If you're having some raised beds which are easier on the knees check out veggie pods, self watering etc really awesome x

[@MaureenMcm]

Spelt vegepod not veggie x

[@lynnegunns604]

I know December is not a very nice month, but I would spend whatever dry days down there Allotment doing the winter jobs. Because in the spring all hell will bright loose and you won’t have a minute.. but don’t worry you go and have a cup of tea and break wind 😂😂😂