Repairs to start at Whalesborough Penstock

The Bude Canal and Harbour are fed from water that is abstracted from the River Neet/Strat at Whalesborough Weir. To help manage water supply, particularly in times of high and low flows, the weir arrangement has an adjacent penstock that can be opened and closed. Major investment is now being made into automate the penstock system, increasing the resilience of the canal to fluctuating water conditions.

The works will include a new automatic penstock upstream of the weir and a new outfall lining downstream exiting at the existing eel pass to aid in fish passage and safety.

All required permits have been acquired, and works are expected to start in the week commencing 1st of April until September 2026.

If you are visiting the canal, particularly if you plan to use the waterway at Whaleborough please expect to see some signage about the works and follow any instructions that are there to keep you and other users safe.

Updates will be posted on this website as necessary.