Lundy Island Faces Possible Evacuation as Reservoirs Hit Record Low
Lundy, the wildlife-rich island in the Bristol Channel, is on the brink of evacuation because its water reserves have fallen to historic lows.
Lundy island, famed for puffins and seals, relies on rainwater and boreholes for its supply, but an exceptionally dry season has left reservoirs at their lowest recorded levels. Managing director Derek Green said rainfall has been less than 20% of the usual amount, forcing emergency shipments of tens of thousands of litres from the mainland. With water use averaging between 9,000 and 11,000 litres daily, the island now treats pond water to top up the supply, a step never taken before.
Restrictions include removing bath plugs, shutting pub toilets and using bucket showers to conserve water. A landslip in June further complicated delivery routes up the island’s steep track. Island manager Matt Scantlebury and assistant warden Tara McEvoy-Wilding stress that the situation underscores a growing climate challenge for the remote community.
Why it matters
The crisis highlights how climate-driven drought can threaten isolated communities and their ecosystems.
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