A Summer like no other for Bude's Canal

2022 has seen the driest summer in 50 years, with a drought covering Cornwall, along with much of the rest of England, officially declared on 12^th August. Prior to this, water levels in the Neet had been particularly low, resulting in no abstraction into the canal being possible from late June to early September. EA data showed rainfall totals for August ranged from 12% of the long-term average in north east England to a shocking 0% for us in the in southeast and south west of England.

In response to the drought conditions, and possible catastrophic impact on aquatic life in the canal, Cornwall Council worked with the Environment Agency and South West Water to develop a response strategy, including provision for a fish rescue. Fortunately, rain was forthcoming in early September and a fish rescue was not needed. Nonetheless, in recognition that drought conditions are an increasingly likely consequence of climate change the partnership will evaluate its response to the 2022 event and continue to develop a plan to help avoid such low water levels in the canal in future.

Due to the impact of the drought on the canal banks, particularly in the upper basin used by water-based activity providers, the canal remained closed to users due to safety concerns until a temporary launch area was opened on 23rd September.