Work to carry out dredging along Bude Canal have well and truly go underway. 

Cornwall Council confirmed that the programme to dredge the canal would begin on Monday, November 6, and as can be seen in the above video, work is well underway. 

The work hopes to bring a number of benefits to the area, a spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “Cornwall Council is delighted to let you know about their upcoming plans to dredge Bude Canal, which has been a priority for many stakeholders in recent years. The project will provide many benefits for canal users, as well as improved ecology and flood risk reduction.

“Works to repair the canal bank alongside Crescent Carpark, will follow on after the dredging.

“Progress has already been made with dredging, and since November 2022 the inland zone east of County Road (Rodds) Bridge has been desilted. This was a relatively simple operation, with no impact on the use of the canal or the paths around it. We are now in the position to move ahead with dredging the lower zones, from County Road (Rodds) Bridge to the sea lock. However, this is a significant and complex operation over a long stretch of the canal; given the challenges and sensitivities of the site and the heavy plant required, it will have a greater impact on canal users and the community.”

Activity on the canal itself is restricted, with day launches banned. 

The council hopes to finish work by January 2024, depending on favourable weather and ecological conditions.