Ancient Cardinham Endures 50 Days of Relentless Rain

CARDINHAM (Azat TV) – The historic Cornish village of Cardinham, a site known for its ancient heritage, has earned the unwelcome title of the UK’s ‘wettest place’ after recording an astonishing 50 consecutive days of rainfall. This relentless deluge, which began on December 31, 2025, has transformed the picturesque landscape near Bodmin, disrupting daily life and challenging the resilience of its residents.

The Met Office confirmed to CornwallLive that Cardinham has experienced rain every single day since the start of the new year, already exceeding its normal rainfall total for February. This prolonged wet spell, while significant, still falls short of the village’s longest recorded period of continuous rain, which spanned 72 days in the year 2000. Nevertheless, the current conditions have led to widespread flooding, road closures, and a noticeable impact on the community.

Cardinham Residents Battle Persistent Flooding

Locals in Cardinham have described the past 50 days as ‘pretty miserable.’ Jimmy Bradley, a resident since 1995, told CornwallLive that he had ‘never seen’ such sustained heavy rainfall. Bradley, who works on the moors, noted that rivers have burst their banks, and roads have been extensively flooded, making travel difficult. Despite the challenges, he expressed eagerness to resume outdoor hobbies like mountain biking once the weather improves.

David Spurrell, owner of Woods Café in Cardinham Woods, highlighted the increased workload for his staff, ensuring drains remain clear to prevent flooding, a risk given the café’s location in a valley next to a river. While the café avoided flooding this year, it had been affected in 2009. Mandy Worrall, another local, lamented the ‘incessant’ rain, the pervasive mud, and the visible destruction within the woods, including numerous downed trees and rapidly flowing rivers. She also acknowledged the psychological toll, stating, ‘everybody gets a little bit down when the weather’s not so good.’

Wider UK Impact and Climate Change Context

The persistent rainfall is not exclusive to Cardinham. Other locations across the UK, particularly in the South West, have also endured extended periods of wet weather. Exeter, Liscombe, Camborne, and Okehampton have all recorded between 43 and 49 days of continuous rain. Katesbridge in Northern Ireland has seen over 40 wet days, receiving more than two and a half times its average February rainfall.

The prolonged wet conditions have presented unique challenges for schools. Matt Larcombe, a primary school head teacher, told the BBC that being ‘stuck indoors for hours on end is tricky and for learning it makes it really really hard.’ The Met Office attributes these trends to climate change, noting that warmer winters lead to a more moisture-laden atmosphere, resulting in heavier and more intense rainfall. Forecasters predict that a significant break from the changeable weather is unlikely until at least mid-March.

Cardinham’s Enduring Legacy Amidst Modern Challenges

Cardinham’s current struggle with extreme weather stands in stark contrast to its deep historical roots. The civil parish is home to at least two freestanding Celtic crosses with Latin inscriptions, ancient markers that have stood for centuries, witnessing countless seasons and changes. These historical artifacts underscore the enduring nature of the village and its landscape, providing a powerful backdrop to the contemporary challenges posed by the climate.

The village’s ability to maintain its community spirit and daily functions despite the unprecedented weather highlights a resilience that echoes its historical continuity, where ancient landmarks persist amidst evolving environmental conditions.