How is climate change affecting Gloucestershire?

Gloucestershire, a county in the West of England, is currently facing significant challenges due to climate change. According to the Met Office, Gloucestershire is the driest county in the region, receiving less rainfall than neighboring counties like Wiltshire, Somerset, and Bristol. This year, a particularly dry spring followed by a hot June has created problems for both agriculture and the county’s waterways. These dry conditions come after a very wet winter, which had already caused farmers to lose thousands of pounds in crop yields. Experts, such as Professor Chris Short from the University of Gloucestershire, believe that climate change is making the weather more unpredictable, and this unpredictability is affecting many aspects of life in the county.

One of the most visible impacts of this changing climate is on local farms. At Blackhouse Farm in Newent, James Lowe faced a total loss of his wheat crop last autumn due to heavy rainfall. The wet conditions destroyed all the wheat he had planted, forcing him to start over and switch to growing maize for animal feed. This change cost him thirty thousand pounds. James explained that farming is becoming more difficult because the weather is so unpredictable. He said that farmers feel like they are at the mercy of nature and must adapt to whatever conditions come their way. Since April, his farm has only experienced two short periods of rain, each bringing just a small amount of water. Because of the lack of rain, he had no choice but to plant maize, even though it was not his preferred crop.

The rivers in Gloucestershire are also being affected by the dry weather. The River Churn, which is a tributary of the Thames, is flowing at only half the rate it should be for this time of year. Dr Mike Jones, a hydrogeologist, said that this spring was the driest on record for the Churn and much of the Cotswolds. The river is even lower than it was during the last major dry spell in 2022. Dr Jones warned that if the dry conditions continue, the area could face a drought later in the year, which might lead to restrictions on water use. He is part of a group called Friends of the Gumstool Brook, which is working to improve water flow in local streams, but the low water levels have made this a difficult task. Met Office data shows that from April to June 2022, Gloucestershire received 123 millimeters of rain, but this year, only 79 millimeters fell during the same period.

However, not all the effects of the dry weather have been negative. Vineyards in Gloucestershire are actually benefiting from the long, sunny days and lack of rain. Martin Fowke from Three Choirs Vineyard said that this year’s conditions have helped the grapes flower two weeks earlier than usual, giving them a longer growing season and the chance to become riper. Last year was very difficult for vineyards because of too much rain, but this year is shaping up to be much better. The English wine industry is growing, with over four thousand hectares of vineyards in the UK, and it now contributes billions of pounds to the economy.

To help farmers and communities adapt to these new weather patterns, Professor Chris Short is working on solutions. He advises farmers to focus on improving soil health, as healthy soil can hold more moisture and help crops survive during dry periods. One way to do this is by planting a variety of crops in the same field, which not only improves the soil but also gives farmers more options if one crop fails. There is also research into planting trees to provide shade for crops and help retain water. In urban areas, Professor Short suggests using green walls, green roofs, and surfaces that allow water to soak in, which can help reduce flooding during heavy rain. He believes that people need to prepare for a future where the weather is increasingly unpredictable, and that adapting to these changes will be essential for everyone in Gloucestershire.