7 days ago
Canal runs so dry that nearby residents are putting out water for the geese
A FLOCK of canal geese has defiantly stuck to one water-sparse stretch of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, thanks to residents who have begun placing buckets of water along the banks.
Local resident Michele de Souza explained that the geese have been part of the community for years and have never faced conditions like this. 'It's never been this low before,' she said.
'I grew up here and I've never seen it this dry. There are better patches here and there, but here it's quickly receding and becoming just mud.
"A couple of us have started putting out water for the geese. They're part of our community and we'd miss them if they moved on.'
Boots the goose and friend dip into a bucket of water, provided by residents who want to keep their flock on the canal. (Image: NQ)
So why is the canal drying out? The answer lies in recent changes to water abstraction laws. The canal has historically drawn water from the River Usk, but new licensing rules imposed by Natural Resources Wales have severely restricted this.
The Usk is a designated Special Area of Conservation, and the new conditions aim to protect it. As a result, the canal has lost its primary water source.
An emergency agreement with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water will supply water for one year, but the company warns that extending this could affect other customers.
In response to mounting pressure, including a 14,000-signature petition and cross-party support, the Welsh Government has pledged £5 million to upgrade pumping station services that feed the canal.
Campaigning group the Canal & River Trust says new environmental agreements will pose major operational and financial challenges. They argue the canal is more than a scenic route, it supports tourism, biodiversity, and community well-being.
The charity's director, Mark Evans, said: 'The emergency short-term supply of water we've secured is vital to ensure the integrity of the canal. Our charity is uncertain how long this stop-gap measure can last, it depends on rainfall and other factors, but it will help secure the canal for the coming weeks.
'Buying water at commercial prices is not a sustainable solution to the situation created by the new legislation, nor is our charity in a position to fund capital costs for additional infrastructure work.'
Boots the goose, pictured above, is unaware of all the fuss and feathers of the issue.
