This is a review of rainfall data collected at the Island Cottage weather station in Church Street, Upwey. It must be pointed out that these statistics will differ from those collected by the Environment Agency and other local stations but they do give an indication of the weather we have experienced.
We entered 2020 with ground water levels at almost record highs and this pressure did not abate until well into March. During the whole year we experienced rainfall on 182 days. the amounts varying from a few millimetres to the absolute deluge on March 6th when 20mm fell on saturated ground in just 20 minutes.
December was the second wettest month in 2020 with rainfall on 24 days, see chart.
Although we enjoyed a pleasant dry spell during April and May with just 10 wet days overall the year has been the second wettest in the 15 years that data has been collected.
We enter the new year with ground water levelling off at about 115.9 compared with this time last January when the E A monitoring station recorded 120.5. We are now looking forward to a spell of cold but dry weather.
The River Wey Society wishes all it’s members and guests the very best for 2021, it can only get better.
Despite all the difficulties of this year we have been quite fortunate in that our Wey Valley has been a place for us still to enjoy even under the tough Covid restrictions. As a Society, we have also been able to put pressure on the appropriate Authorities to ensure that our Wey Valley Footpaths are properly and safely maintained , clear Himalayan Balsam from stretches of the river banks and work with the Environment Agency on keeping the Wey flowing correctly.
There is now growing evidence that the fish pass at Meadows Radipole has had an effect on allowing more fish to move upstream and in recent weeks more redds ( spawning grounds) have been identified in Upwey. Our activities have of course all been outdoors, and it is very much hoped that we can hold a Members Meeting and AGM just as soon as we are able to do so.
I would also personally like to acknowledge the great support I have had from all our River Watch Officers, Secretary, Treasurer and Publicity Officer who continue to perform their roles with energy and efficiency under tough conditions.
I am very confident that by the Spring of 2021 we will be past the worst of Covid and that we can then really move the Society forward more widely and more than make up for lost ground.
Meanwhile, please stay safe, enjoy Christmas and the New Year and do not hesitate to keep in touch with any issues you would like to raise.
