Cornish Village Endures 41 Days of Rain, Residents Consider Building an Ark
In the picturesque parish of Cardinham, nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, residents have faced an unprecedented meteorological challenge: 41 consecutive days of rainfall without respite. This relentless deluge has transformed the landscape into a sodden, muddy terrain, prompting locals to humorously consider biblical solutions.
Record-Breaking Precipitation
The Met Office recently confirmed that Cardinham is one of only three locations in the United Kingdom to have recorded precipitation every single day so far this year. The other two sites are North Wyke in Devon and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire. However, Cardinham distinguishes itself with the highest volume of rainfall, accumulating a staggering 366 millimetres since January began. Cornwall as a whole has experienced its wettest January on record, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.
On the 41st day of this continuous rain event, The Guardian visited the area and witnessed a spectrum of precipitation, from persistent drizzle to modest showers and even torrential downpours. The consistency of the weather has rendered local forecasts somewhat redundant, as residents now simply assume each day will bring more rain.
Community Resilience Amid Adversity
Sarah Cowen, a local artist and cafe owner, encapsulated the collective sentiment with her remark: "I'm thinking of building an ark. It's been horrendous. We've never known anything like it. The mud, the silt, the endless rain." Cowen attributes the extreme weather patterns to global warming, noting the oscillation between "baking sun or continuous rain" that has become characteristic of recent years.
The community's spirit remains remarkably resilient despite the challenging conditions. Loveday Sutton, a prominent member of the Cardinham garden club, expressed growing despondency among gardening enthusiasts: "We don't get cold, bright days any more. It's relentless rain. People can't get out to do their gardens. Mine is sodden, that's the only word for it."
Infrastructure and Agricultural Impacts
The volume of water has caused tangible damage to local infrastructure. One of the primary roads leading into Cardinham village has been forced to close after the road surface buckled and broke under the constant flow of water. This closure has disrupted daily commutes and access to essential services.
Agricultural operations have been severely affected by the persistent rainfall. Nick Hoskin, a farmer with four decades of experience, has been compelled to keep his south Devon cross cows confined to barns or farmyards rather than allowing them to graze in fields. "I think even they realise it's better to be in there at the moment rather than out on the fields," Hoskin observed. He confirmed that this represents the worst weather he has encountered throughout his farming career.
Daily Adaptations and Outdoor Pursuits
The continuous rain has sparked local discussions about the most effective waterproof attire. Jenny Cockerill, who works at a forest school, sports a fashionable Patagonia waterproof jacket, while her colleague Claire Edwards prefers a sturdier, unbranded option from a farming supplies shop. Edwards noted that while her coat keeps her dry, it lacks breathability, causing her to "get a bit warm going up hill."
Despite the challenging conditions, outdoor enthusiasts continue to pursue their activities. At the Forestry Commission's Cardinham Woods, off-duty firefighters Adam Harvey and Sandy Gourley completed the challenging "Beast of Bodmin" mountain bike trail, named after the legendary big cat rumoured to roam the area. Both men emerged muddy but cheerful from their adventure.
Gourley, who has spent many hours this year dealing with storm and flood aftermaths professionally, emphasised the importance of outdoor activity for mental wellbeing: "It's good to get out no matter the weather. It helps your mental health, though one dry day would be nice."
Business and Aviation Disruptions
The economic impact of the prolonged rainfall has been significant, particularly for local businesses. At Bodmin airfield, where the Met Office weather station has recorded the 41 days of precipitation, aviation activity has been severely curtailed. Only approximately 20 small planes have managed to fly since the new year began, compared to the typical 50 flights per day during busier periods.
Ian Bryant, the airfield manager known by his Royal Navy nickname Arfur, escorted journalists to the control tower to examine current weather readings. The data showed light winds from the southeast, visibility limited to just 500 metres, cloud base at 60 metres, and of course, continuing rainfall. Bryant expressed scepticism about climate change narratives, describing them as "a 'hobgoblin' being used to scare people" and attributing the weather to "just a wet winter" similar to those experienced in the past.
At the AeroDine cafe located in the airfield clubhouse, proprietor Ed Salatas has been crossing his fingers for improved weather. After enjoying two successful months following his September takeover, business has dwindled due to first snow and now continuous rain. Salatas has utilised the quiet period to refurbish the cafe but acknowledges: "Now we just need a break so the customers will come back."
Glimmer of Hope and Continued Resilience
The Met Office has predicted a potential break in the weather pattern, with bright, warm sunshine forecast for Saturday. However, this respite appears likely to be brief, as further rainfall is expected to return on Sunday. This pattern of temporary relief followed by more precipitation has characterised the entire period.
Sam Lebbern, recreation manager at Cardinham Woods, articulated the community's pragmatic approach: "But you have to get on with it – keep smiling. There's a sense of camaraderie in the face of adversity and Cornish people are resilient."
Marion Robertson, who was walking her black Labrador Indie while sheltering under a multicoloured umbrella, considered herself fortunate to live on higher ground: "You feel very sorry for all those people who have been flooded. The rain is tedious, but you have to make the best of it."
As Cardinham residents continue to navigate their 41st day of continuous rainfall and beyond, their stories reflect both the challenges of extreme weather events and the remarkable human capacity for adaptation and resilience in the face of natural adversity.
