Blackdown Hills Transition group

WELL WISHES

A local farmer wisely said " its a funny thing water, either you have
too much or not enough and either way its in the wrong place". So it is
at Riggles Farmhouse just now that our deep spring feeding our well
water has dried up, along with the channels that feed the ponds.
Wonderfully, two different locals worked together to help us get a full
water bowser here so we have something to keep us afloat!

Many are surprised to hear this news apart from those who depend on
well water. A friend at Hemyock is switching from well water to mains
and water companies are having a busy time. Wonder just how many new
pipes are being layed or replaced by Wessex water in the local
environment and you can't help but think about the new housing
developments and their impact. It seems the Devon water table is low,
despite the feeling that its been damp. In fact, folk restoring a mill
at Stapely couldn't get their mill pond cleared of mud as there weren't
enough consecutive days without rain.

However, rainfall is low here and we've had two dry springs in a row. A
talk at Blackdown Hills Gardening Club this year did warn after careful
analysis that Blackdown Hills would struggle with water during this
changing climate. Luckily there is enough local knowledge and wisdom to
help us fall back on the springline mires still running in the woodland
and an emergency team are working here today. Our salads are being
delivered today as usual and we hope the guests booked in for half term
will have running water!

Still, there have always been changes in the springs and wells so lets
hope and pray for the rain and water needed to sustain life on this
precious earth. Anyone else in the parish or environs are welcome to
contact us to let us know about your watery tales.