Dredging Programme Update

The extensive programme to dredge the Bude Canal continues to make progress but not without challenges that have led to a update in the expected timeline to completion.

The operation to remove over 4,000 cubic meters of silt from the canal have never been easy, impacted by lack of available land on the canal-bank and by the presence on non-native invasive zebra mussel, challenges that have been compounded by a slow start to works whilst the complicated set-up was established and poor weather during the early part of 2024.

Whilst it has always been a strong desire to complete the element of works within the Crescent Carpark by the start of the 2024 Easter Holidays, the delivery contractors Cormac are now reporting that this target will likely be extended until the end of April.

Cornwall Council, who own the canal recognise that the visitor economy is vital to Bude and that the canal is a popular and iconic community asset and the decision to continue to complete the task through a timeline extension is based on the importance of removing the silt to deliver the outcomes of increased flood water conveyance, a safe depth for water activity use, improvement of freshwater habitat and increased longevity of the canal.

About half of the car parking spaces within the Crescent carpark remain available, with the Harbour, Summerleaze and Crooklets carparks being close alternative options.

Canal Remains Closed

To protect the safety of the general public and staff delivering the dredging programme, the canal will remain closed to all activity including private launches and fishing within the works zone between the buoy markers until further notice of a reopening is issued by Cornwall Council.