A stretch of the Stroudwater Navigation in the Cotswolds experienced a severe drop in water levels last week, causing fish to die and insect larvae to perish under the sun. The affected section, between Newtown and Blunder locks, was reported to have “dried up,” leaving wildlife stranded in shallow, muddy water.
Local residents expressed frustration at the slow response, noting it took six days after they raised concerns with the canal authority, Environment Agency, and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust before any action was taken. One resident described seeing “fish dying in a few inches of muddy water, plant roots drying out, and insect larvae frying in the sun,” and criticized the lack of visible canal workforce on site.
On Friday afternoon, May 16, a Portadam barrier was installed at Blunder Lock, allowing the canal section to be partially refilled. Water levels will remain at about three-quarters full while repairs are underway. Once completed, the canal will be restored to its normal level.
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Cotswold Canals Connected confirmed that volunteers are actively working on the repairs under the guidance of the Environment Agency, which has been monitoring the situation closely. Environment Agency officers have visited the site to assess the impact on fish populations and continue to advise on mitigation efforts.
An Environment Agency spokesperson urged anyone who spots fish in distress to report it immediately via their 24/7 hotline at 0800 807060.