Following the recent spell of heavy rain, some of the restoration work undertaken over the last five years on Falkland Estate is under serious threat.

The charity responsible for its care has reluctantly had to close off access to Maspie Den, a network of Victorian walks created around a spectacular natural gorge, which is normally visited by around 10,000 people a year.

The recent floods led to damage including a bridge being covered by water and over 100 metres of new paths being stripped down to rubble, while the normally subdued waterfalls in the designed landscape became raging torrents of water.

Over recent years a massive amount of work by volunteers, trainees and skilled craftsmen, with significant financial support, has been devoted to restoring one of Scotland's most outstanding historic landscapes.

Falkland Heritage Trustee and Estate Steward, Ninian Stuart, said recent high levels of rainfall had a traumatic effect on the area, resulting in the worst flooding for at least 30 years.

He explained: "On the estate, we have had to close off the spectacular Maspie Den due to landslip, tree fall and water damage to the paths.

"We are now in touch with Fife Council and other partners to explore what action we might need to take to reopen this important landscape and path network.

"Thousands of people each year have begun to visit and enjoy this landscape since we restored it — so we will seek solutions as swiftly as we can."

Mike Small of the Falkland Centre for Stewardship based on Falkland Estate added: "This year's miserable summer is further evidence of the predicted dramatic impact of climate change and reinforces the reality that climate chaos doesn't mean warm and sunny weather for Scotland, but heavy rains and highly unpredictable weather patterns."

The Den, which provides habitat for a rich biodiversity of plants, animals and insects, has been restored thanks to volunteer groups including the Falkland Stewards, Falkland Conservation Group, Fife Air Cadets Conservation Group, Fife Countryside Ranger Volunteers, Falkland House School and Stratheden Horticultural Therapy Unit.

Now it is hoped that people across north east Fife may spare what time they have by volunteering in the clean-up operation.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Ninian C. Stuart, Steward, Falkland Heritage Trust, telephone 01337 858544 or visit the website at www.centreforstewardship.org.uk