Lundy Island, a National Trust-owned nature reserve in the Bristol Channel off the coast of north Devon, is bracing for possible evacuation as severe water shortages threaten to force its closure. The island, renowned for its puffin colonies and rugged landscapes, has received less than 20% of its typical rainfall since April, marking the hottest and driest summer on record.
Derek Green, the island’s managing director, described the situation as a “last chance saloon.” After natural reservoirs dropped to a critical 13%, officials made the unprecedented decision to pump water from wildlife ponds into treatment facilities. “If we didn’t do this, we would be facing the reality of closing Lundy… it would be devastating for us,” Green said.
The island’s self-sufficient water supply, traditionally drawn from rainwater collection and granite boreholes, has failed to meet demand. Since August, emergency shipments have been conducted via the passenger ferry MS Oldenberg. The initial delivery involved approximately 67,000 litres of water costing around £7,000. Currently, the vessel delivers 4,000 litres three times a week to sustain the 28 permanent residents and visiting tourists.
Logistical challenges have compounded the crisis. A landslip in June blocked part of the track leading to the upper village, necessitating a complex relay system. Water tanks are offloaded from the ship, transported to a midway staging post, and then pumped via fire hose to the final reservoir at the top of the island.
Strict conservation measures are now in effect. Matt Scantlebury, the island manager, confirmed that baths have been banned at The Tavern pub by removing plugs to prevent temptation. Toilet facilities in the pub have been closed, with visitors redirected to outdoor sheds supplied by pond water. Guests are encouraged to use buckets to catch shower water for flushing toilets.
BBC meteorologist David Braine noted that while rain is forecast, it could take weeks to replenish the groundwater and reservoirs adequately. The dry conditions followed record winter rainfall that left most UK reservoirs full in March, highlighting the volatility of the current weather patterns.
Green, who has worked on Lundy since 2004, stated that water shortages are becoming more frequent due to climate change. He warned that forecasts predict even warmer temperatures next year, urging the need for improved reservoir infrastructure and reduced water usage during the winter months. Assistant warden Tara McEvoy-Wilding added that the visible browning of vegetation served as a stark reminder that 2026 marked the first time many residents felt the immediate impact of a changing climate.
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