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East Anglia's Third Driest April Hits Farmers Hard
20 May
Summary
- April recorded as third driest in East Anglia's history.
- Potato yields reduced in size and quantity due to lack of rain.
- New reservoir planned to combat drought by late 2030s.
East Anglia has recorded its third driest April ever, posing significant challenges for farmers. Luke Abblitt, who cultivates wheat, barley, and potatoes in Cambridgeshire, has seen reduced yields and smaller sizes for his potato crops. He highlighted the critical need for moisture, stating that the current dry conditions hinder crop growth and nutrient absorption.
Meteorological data confirms the severity of the drought, with April receiving only about 10% of its expected rainfall. This lack of precipitation has also led to record-high water demand for Cambridge Water. To address growing concerns about water scarcity and climate change impacts, water companies are planning a new reservoir near Chatteris.
The proposed Fens reservoir is designed to withstand severe droughts and aims to reduce reliance on groundwater abstraction. This project is currently in the detailed design phase, with planning permission anticipated in 2028. Construction is slated to begin in 2030, with the reservoir potentially operational by the late 2030s, offering increased drought resilience for the East of England.
