Clear messages for canal users at Bude Heritage Day

Cornwall Council was delighted to team up with Southwest Water to celebrate the canal and harbour's 200th anniversary at Bude Heritage day on 16th July, and highlight important messages to safeguard it long into the future.

Building on the Non-native Species National Secretariat biosecurity campaign 'Check, Clean Dry' the event helped raise awareness about zebra mussels in the canal; a non-native species that can choke water pipes and destroy native mussels. To help keep other watercourses clear of zebra mussel, canal and harbour users in Bude must

• Check your equipment, boat, and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
• Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible.
• Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.

It was also a great opportunity to let the community know about the progress on major works planned for the canal later this financial year, including embankment repairs and a scheme of dredging, as well as explain how we are seeking to better manage the canal and its special wildlife in light of the challenges posed by climate change and changing patterns in water availability.

If you would like to help protect and conserve the canal through our volunteering events, please contact charlotte.evans@cornwall.gov.uk

Opportunities include:

• Wildlife recording
• Management of Invasive Non-native Species
• Communications and awareness raising
• Helping with lock movements