Canals and the changing climate
Cheryl Howes of Kate Boats with the latest news from Drifters – a consortium of independent selfdrive hire boat companies set up to promote enjoyment of canal holidays.
WE LIKE to think our canal boat holidays are always memorable, but for those who were on holiday during the July heatwave, it was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.
Being by the water, especially where there are trees and other shady vegetation, does have a cooling effect. In fact, recent research published by the Canal & River Trust and University of Manchester shows the presence of canal water in urban areas can cool overheating cities during heatwaves by up to 1.6 degrees Celsius in a 100m-wide corridor along the waterway. The research was conducted across Birmingham, London and Manchester.
Mooring in the shade and keeping the curtains closed helps to keep narrowboats cooler in hot weather.
During the July heatwave, our more experienced boaters tended to start out early, moor up for a long, lazy lunch and then cruise into the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Water shortages have been an issue for some of our canals this summer. Where possible, Drifters operators move boats to bases less affected by water shortages and move bookings to alternative bases.
There have been closures and restrictions on a small number of waterways, including the Leeds & Liverpool and Peak Forest canals. This is partly due to the lack of rainfall, but also the continued need to keep the water levels down at Toddbrook Reservoir, ahead of a major programme of repairs, starting this year. Once this work is complete, the waterways in that area will be more resilient during times of low rainfall.
The canal network certainly faces major challenges as our climate changes, with increased periods of drought and flooding. Ongoing investment is required to make sure the canals continue to bring well-being benefits to the millions of people who visit them every year, as well as the wildlife that relies on them.
Narrowboat holidays bring hundreds of thousands of people a year to the canals and boat licences make an important contribution to the money needed to maintain the network.