Severe drought causes hundreds of fish to die in pond

By Lauren Beavis

Residents have slammed the Environment Agency after reporting fish struggling in a "rapidly" drying pond - with hundreds already dead due to drought.

Videos show fish flapping in just inches of water in a large pond that has nearly dried up at a housing estate in Pinhoe, Exeter.

The news comes as almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as weather conditions have become hotter and drier due to climate change - as much of Europe is about to enter its fifth heatwave of the summer.

Adrian Clarke, 55, who lives five miles away from the pond, posted pictures of the struggling fish on Facebook when he first saw the sight last Wednesday (Aug. 5) and received hundreds of comments from concerned locals.

MP David Reed, who represents Exeter East and Exmouth, has since joined Adrian and many other locals in contacting the Environment Agency over concerns for the fish, protected newts and other wildlife that live in the pond.

A local team from Greendale Farm Shop came to help and rescued around 600 fish - but despite reporting the incident a week ago, Adrian says he has been left "disappointed" the Environment Agency has not been able to help.

Adrian said: "The sight nearly left me in tears - they are gasping for air and we are watching them painfully die.

"It's very upsetting for the community

"I've not been given any information from the Environment Agency - who have been called a lot about this and haven't done anything.

"I don't think they care and they are a waste of space!

"They know they can do whatever they want and that they're unanswerable to anything.

"There are a lot of dead fish around there and the seagulls are having them!"

Adrian said he has also contacted Devon Wildlife Trust, with no reply, and claimed South West Water had said it could not help because tankers might be needed for emergencies.

The keen wildlife lover said he has even set up planks of wood in the muddy pond - which is a collection of drain water from a run-off area - to help people walk over them to rescue flapping fish.

Adrian, who works at an electrical shop in Exeter, said: "The pond is drying up a lot now and because of that it's easier to get some of the fish out.

"There has been a lot of people coming through to help and it is so muddy I've set up planks of wood so people can walk on them with their nets to save the fish.

"I've been telling people to use long window cleaning poles too!"

Even though some of the fish are being taken out of the pond, however, there is no guarantee they will survive the journey to being rehomed.

Adrian said: "A lot of people are going out and taking them and trying to get them rehomed but you just don't know if they are going to be OK."

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Droughts are taking a toll on watercourses and the wildlife that inhabit them.

"We are putting all our efforts into rescuing fish in distress in rivers and streams where there is little to no flow and high temperatures.

"While we are unable to carry out fish rescues from ornamental ponds, we are always willing to give advice to owners on the best way to safely and legally mind their stock.

"Those responsible for fish need to take utmost care when moving them to other waters.

"Diseased fish can devastate entire populations if moved to new waters, and predators can pose a further threat."