An Environment Agency spokesperson said: \u201cDue to the ongoing drought, we are delaying the opening of the wetland at Ribble Sidings. The pond scrapes haven\u2019t filled with water as we would have hoped by now.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeasures are being taken to care for the wetland species already planted so that they survive the dry spell, and the fencing will stay up until enough rain returns and the wetland becomes established.\u201d<\/p>\n
No date has been set for when the wetlands<\/a> will be open to the public \u2013 as the Environment Agency await the weather to turn.<\/p>\n Earlier this week the National Drought Group (NDG) met and declared the lack of rainfall as a \u2018nationally significant incident\u2019 as much of the country remains under heatwave conditions with a roasting start to August.<\/p>\n The Environment Agency\u2019s Director of Water and NDG chair, Helen Wakeham said: \u201cWater companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to conserve water in these dry conditions. Simple, everyday choices \u2013 such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails \u2013 also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n Subscribe:<\/strong>\u00a0Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston,\u00a0join our WhatsApp channel<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter<\/a>. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong>\u00a0See the latest Preston news and headlines<\/a><\/p>\n Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0See the latest South Ribble news and headlines<\/a><\/p>\n All rights reserved \u00a9 2008-2025<\/p>\n BlogPreston was founded by Ed Walker<\/a><\/p>\n Preston based 3manfactory<\/a> designed & developed the website<\/p>\n Preston based Clook Internet<\/a> host the website<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment.<\/p>\n