Latest News from the Estuary
Managing the Estuary’s Flood Defences into the Future
The Tour of Britain Devon Stage, 15 September 2011
Have Your Say on the Exmouth Masterplan
The Early Bird gets the ticket....
The Harbour Patrol Boat takes to the water
Birds on Film at RSPB Powderham Marshes
Swimmers conquer the Exe to raise money for local charity
Coastal Management Study and SMP technically feasible options now available
Managing the Estuary’s Flood Defences into the Future
Since the spring, the Environment Agency has been working in partnership with the local authorities of Teignbridge, East Devon, Exeter City and Devon County on the Exe Estuary Strategy. It follows on from the recent broad scale South Devon and Dorset Shoreline Management Plan. When complete, it will provide more detail on flood defence options in the estuary including Dawlish Warren, Exmouth, the Lower Clyst and Powderham banks.
The Environment Agency is on track with their assessment and analysis of the defences around the estuary.
For example, where the Shoreline Management Plan has agreed a policy of Hold the Line (eg at Exmouth) the detailed economic analysis tells us whether it is more economic to:
maintain the defence at the level it is
keep increasing the defence level in line with climate change
raise the defence level straight away.
This helps us determine the overall draft option for each area around the estuary.
Our Steering Group will meet again in July to review where any improved or realigned defences might need to go in the future. Public consultation on draft options is currently planned for winter 2011 to early 2012. Remember that there is a web page for the strategy at:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/121321.aspx
The consultation programme is subject to change, but the web page will have the most up to date information.
Contact:
Steve Rendell
Environment Agency
01392 442021
Steve.Rendell@environment-agency.gov.uk
Living with a Changing Coast
With threats of Climate Change looming, sea level rise and coastal erosion are becoming an increasing risk to our coastal communities. In these worrying circumstances, it can be daunting and confusing as to who to turn to for help with understanding these issues. The Exe Estuary Partnership is now involved with a European project which works with coastal communities that face significant threats from sea level rise as a result of global warming. This three year project is called LiCCo, which stands for “Living with a Changing Coast”.
The main aim of the LiCCo project is to empower Channel communities to adapt to coastal climate change through cross border cooperation, and create better places and better public services. The project will focus on a range of stakeholder concerns including impacts on residential property, recreation, biodiversity, landscape, tourism, maritime, commercial and other business interests.
The role of the Exe Estuary Officer is to improve engagement with communities of the Exe Estuary affected by the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding due to climate change. This will involve:
Revising the State of the Exe report
Creating an up to date overview of the current understanding for all aspects of the site, such as tourism, economy, and environmental condition
Impact assessment and education
Assessing the impact these decisions will have on local communities and businesses
Use of simulation software for general public, schools and businesses to explore planning decisions in coastal zones
Provide on site educational events to teach local children about the ecology, management and coastal processes within the estuary
Public awareness
Investigating and adapting existing methods for engaging local stakeholders, for example, Exe Press newsletter, Exe Estuary website. Raising awareness of Coastal Strategies
Development of network of public and business sector stakeholders
Review existing database of contacts and investigating ways to reach stakeholders which are absent
Revising the Exe Estuary Management Plan
This will outline policies, issues and objectives to ensure sustainable use of the Exe Estuary for the future.
The LiCCo project is very new at this stage, having just been set up. Although we have not yet reached the point where we can engage communities in the process, please be aware that we will be looking to involve you in the near future and will advertise how you can become involved. A new LiCCo website is being created, which will be an ideal site where you can find out information about this project. We will advertise this website when it is completed.
Stephanie Clark, Exe Estuary Officer
Exe Estuary Management Partnership
Email: exeestua@devon.gov.uk
The Tour of Britain Devon Stage, 15 September 2011
The Tour of Britain, the nation’s premier cycle race with world class teams, will return to Devon later this year to provide a welcome boost to the local economy and a fantastic event for spectactors.
Set against the backdrop of the county’s stunning landscape, join us for a day of action-packed racing to cheer the riders on at the UK’s largest free-to-watch sporting event of the year.
Starting in Exeter, the Devon stage will push the professional cyclists to their limits as they cover more than 110 miles (180 km) of tough terrain, including Dartmoor National Park, before finishing in Exmouth. The route will take in a number of other communities including Pathfinder Village, Tedburn St Mary, Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Dartmeet, Postbridge, Bow, Crediton, Broadclyst, Rockbeare and West Hill.
The family-friendy walking and cycling route – the Exe Estuary Trail - connects the start and finish venues of Exeter and Exmouth,. The largely off-road trail follows the spectacular River Exe from the quayside in Exeter through Topsham, Exton and Lympstone to finish where the river meets the sea in Exmouth. At just 12 miles, you can watch both the start and the finish of this year’s race with a pleasant leisurely bike ride between the two. The almost entirely flat route is accessible for those with buggies or wheelchairs and is now one of the county’s flagship cycle trails.
Devon County Council has made great strides in encouraging more people to cycle in Exeter over the past six years and Exmouth has seen a 22% increase in cycling since becoming one of Devon’s Cycle Hub towns. Having the Tour of Britain in town will no doubt encourage even more people to get back in the saddle for both fun and fitness!
The other good news is that the Tour of Britain race generates millions of pounds for the local economy, bringing in an additional £11million for local businesses in the region in the past two years, and showcasing the county to a global TV audience.
To plan your visit, check out the routes in detail, or find out how you can get involved in all the fun, visit our website: www.southwesttourofbritain.co.uk.
The Retiring Jack Nott
Jack Nott retired in early June after almost 25 years as Exeter City Council’s River & Canal Manager. His energetic and enthusiastic ‘hands-on’ approach to the job resulted in him being a knowledgeable and high profile presence in and around the Exe Estuary and Exeter Ship Canal.
He is regarded as something of an authority on the waterways and has been instrumental in many of the improvements seen over the years such as the major works to strengthen canal locks and gates, the introduction of the harbour patrol service, the alteration of the navigational channel entrance, enhanced health and safety working practices and the expansion of facilities at both Turf and the Basin.
The number of vessels making use of storage and mooring facilities in the Canal and at Topsham Quay has increased three-fold during recent times, a testament to Jack’s desire to promote our assets and encourage their use while at the same time managing the numerous stakeholders needs and aspirations.
Retirement will see Jack no less active as he plans to walk the South West coastal path, sail around the Mediterranean and enjoy time with his family.
He takes with him a huge wealth of knowledge and experience which is very difficult to replace. Steve Carnell will combine his current Parking Services Manager role with day to day managerial responsibility for the waterways. He will be utilising the high quality skills and knowhow of existing staff and contractors for operational issues and the technical knowledge and experience of Commander David Vaughan from Teignmouth Harbour Commissioners for more specialist marine advice.
Steve can be contacted via steve.carnell@exeter.gov.uk or through the Canal Office on 01392 274306.
Have Your Say on the Exmouth Masterplan
The Exe Estuary has a central role to play in making Exmouth a more distinctive destination and helping to take Exmouth into the future as a more vibrant and sustainable community. Since early 2010, LDA Design, an Exeter based design and environment consultancy, has been working with East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and Exmouth Town Council to prepare a vision and Masterplan for Exmouth town centre and seafront. Community groups and stakeholders have also worked closely with the consultants to develop a strong vision for the town, a development framework within which change can happen and a range of opportunity projects to help achieve the vision.
The Masterplan places the natural setting at the heart of the Exmouth experience and is designed to use it to make the town truly memorable and bring greater economic benefit. Proposals aim to strengthen and make more of the existing distinctive assets that the town already has – the estuary, seafront, harbour/marina and town centre and to create clear and active links between them so that they support and reinforce each other.
‘The Estuaryside’ forms a priority opportunity area within the Masterplan. Proposals seek to create an exceptional mixed use area including a transport interchange, foodstore, niche retail, watersports and community facilities, homes and employment along with a new estuaryside park and footpath/ cycleway around the waters edge. Improvements to the southern end of Marine Way will also strengthen the fundamental pedestrian links between the estuary and town centre. Exciting new proposals for Camperdown Creek are also set out, reinforcing this area as a focus for creative, marine, engineering and leisure based industries.
Public consultation on the Exmouth Town Centre and Seafront Masterplan is currently underway and runs until 12th September. You can see the proposals and have your say by going to www.exmouthmasterplan.co.uk
LDA Design
The Exe Estuary Trail
In 2005 Devon County Council started promoting the proposals for a shared cycleway and walkway around the Exe Estuary. Following a public consultation there was clear support in the provision of a sustainable means of transport around the Exe. An appropriate assessment was commissioned for the entire Estuary to ensure there was no adverse impact upon the integrity of the SPA/Ramsar site. The Trail offers an excellent opportunity for people to realise the extent and beauty of the Estuary in a sustainable manner without damaging the natural resource or disturbing the wildlife.
The project has been split into 9 sections for delivery with an overall programme of construction through to 2014/15. Within the overall project, sectional construction has been phased over a period of time to take into account annual budget availability, progress with planning applications and progress with land acquisition.
East of the Estuary
On the east of the estuary, The Exe Estuary Trail will connect Exmouth, via Lympstone and Exton, to Topsham, so joining the existing cycle network within Exeter.
The section from Exmouth to Lympstone was formally opened to the public on 29 February 2008 and the section from Lympstone to Exton was opened to the public on 28 May 2010.
Works on the section of Trail between Exton and River Clyst and Odham’s Link have recently been completed and both sections were opened for public use on 15 April 2011. Odham’s Link is the interim solution to provide a link through to Topsham and at the same time provide a permanent link through to Ebford. Odham’s Link runs along what was the route of a railway siding to Odham’s Wharf. Together with the Ebford Link, and the proposed newshared use structure over the River ClystatFisher’s Bridge, it would complete a cycle/walkway connection between Ebford Village, the Exe Estuary Trail and Topsham. Construction of Fishers Bridge commenced early June 2011 with an expected completion by October 2011.
This final section of the Exe Estuary Trail includes a 120m span bridge over the River Clyst and a section through the RSPB Goosemoor Nature reserve where there are considerable restrictions on the timing of construction activities. These restrictions, together with the complications of constructing a bridge over the river Clyst have necessitated the work to be scheduled over future financial years.
West of the Estuary
The route on the west of the estuary will extend the existing network from Bridge Road in Exeter via Turf Lock, Powderham Church, Starcross and Cockwood to existing facilities within Dawlish Warren, which in turn continue to Dawlish.
The sections from Bridge Road to the Turf Hotel and from Powderham Church to Cockwood, including through Starcross, have already been completed. Construction is currently on going for the section between Cockwood to Dawlish Warren and completion is anticipated by end July 2011. The only remaining section will then be from Turf Lock to Powderham Church where land negotiations and consultation on refining the appearance of the proposed bridge over the railway line continue.
Anjumn Kanani
The Early Bird gets the ticket....
Despite it being the middle of Summer, due to demand Stuart Line Cruises are already taking bookings for their Winter Guided Bird Watching Cruises! 'Last years trips werefull weeks in advance and we had to put on extra trips' says Ian Stuart, company owner, 'this year we had people wanting to book as early as April to ensure they can get tickets'
The trips, aboard a vessel with an enclosed heated lower deck and refreshments bar, last roughly 3 hours and have the guidance of an expert ornithologist, either Ian Waiteor David Smallshire. The trips also have a collection as you disembark for the Exe Estuary Management which goes towards improving facilities around the Exe including a new bird hide between Exmouth and Topsham.
Dates are available online at www.birdwatchingcruises.co.uk or direct from Stuart Line Cruises on 01395 279693
The Harbour Patrol Boat takes to the water
At the start of 2011 Exeter City Council recognised the need again for a presence on the Exe in the form of a patrol boat and asked for help to crew it.
East Devon District Council, Exmouth Town Council and the Exe Estuary Partnership asked for volunteers to helm and crew the boat.
Most Sailing Clubs and Cruising Clubs within the Exe stepped up to the challenge and supplied members willing to help out.
The patrol volunteers have the authority of Exeter City Council when it comes to taking a prosecution against helms of speeding boats or jet skis but look at their role, at least initially, as educational.
Andy Phillips (Beach Safety Officer for EDDC and Principal of East Devon Training) the boat lead coxswain and boat coordinator said “ The aim is to educate new and experienced water users, and to reduce the anti social behaviour that takes place within the river and off the beach when people speed and navigate dangerously. Just a few spoil it for the majority”.
The boat is soon to be taking on new livery. The boat initially used by Exeter City Council for Harbour Patrol duties was used by the police and volunteers in more recent years. The new livery will highlight the fact the boat is an official Harbour Patrol vessel.
The season started slowly but the patrol boat is out and about now. Volunteer crews have spoken with several jet ski users and powered craft operators over the last few weeks. All were advised of the River Exe byelaws. The patrol boat crews will initially warn people of byelaw infringements but will follow up any subsequent instances.
Are You a Jet Ski User?
Over the last few years the number of skiers has increased dramatically and so has the number of issues reported by other users of the estuary. Although there are Jet Ski users that use the estuary in a considerate manner, the behaviour of some demonstrates a lack of consideration to other users of the estuary and is creating a bad image of Jet Ski users in general. Such behaviour is not only anti social, but extremely dangerous to others, and many have expressed an urgency to address this situation as soon as possible.
As a first step, the Exe Estuary Partnership and East Devon District Council Beach Safety Officer invited jet skiers to attend a meeting on 21st July to work with us in the creation of a Jet Ski Users Code of Conduct, which we are hoping to produce as soon as possible for the remaining summer months. Since this meeting was purely to discuss the Code of Conduct, we aimed it towards Jet Skiers, with plans for a more in depth meeting extended to the wider communities shortly after.
If you are a jet ski user who is interested in helping to improve the safety on the Exe and would like to contribute to a Jet Ski Users Code of Conduct, please contact the Exe Estuary Officer on the details below. A lot can be learnt from the Exe Kiteboarders, who have built a good reputation by focussing on safety and respect for other water users. We hope that by working with jet skiers themselves, we can address the current issues caused by the few that display inconsiderate behaviour.
Thank you,
Stephanie Clark, Exe Estuary Officer
Email: exeestua@devon.gov.uk
Birds on Film at RSPB Powderham Marshes
RSPB Exminster and Powderham Marshes are managed for the benefit of breeding waders in the summer and large numbers of waders and wildfowl in the winter. Although during the winter months the reserves come alive with birds, the numbers of breeding waders are a cause for concern as they continue to dwindle. Redshanks have failed to breed for the last two years and lapwings have decreased form 26 pairs in 2006 to 12 pairs this year. We are however still in search of the reason, as this is not only significant from a reserve point of view but also for the county as it is the largest remaining colony in Devon.
After undertaking extensive habitat and water level management work on the reserves and improving the grassland structure we are now looking to other reasons as to why are waders are in decline. We don’t know whether it can all be attributed to climate change at is known that these birds are generally heading north east, or whether predation is a major factor. We do know that we have got a resident fox but it seems unfair to lay blame on him before having been proven guilty.
Lapwings generally nest in groups, for safety in numbers, and use open areas so that they can see predators approaching. Currently they favour the bare cultivated areas of Powderham Marshes, which is initially an easy place to visually monitor the progress of nests, but after the flush of spring growth there are plenty of places to hide. However this year with the help of technology we have gained a further insight into understanding the dynamics of the population. Miniature cameras triggered by movement have enabled us to keep a watchful eye on the breeding pairs. This has not only given us great shots of sitting lapwings and young chicks, it has also confirmed our suspicions.
Now at the end of the season the cameras have been very successful in filling in the pieces of the jigsaw as to the fate of our lapwing population. From 12 pairs, 6 nests hatched 3 have been seen to be nobbled by fox and the remaining 3 have been also taken – but escaped being caught on camera. Some pairs are still trying to relay on the grassland of Exminster which is great news and we wait to see if the eggs successfully hatch. We have been avidly watching the trials and tribulations of the chicks and can now report 4 chicks have fledged and there are still 2 very small youngsters under the close watch of their parents. Although this may sound like doom and gloom the positives are that we now have more of an understanding about why our breeding waders are suffering a decline and we can plan for the future, before the population reaches a level of no return.
Many other grassland reserves keep foxes out to enable the waders to rear their young, so it is excellent that we can now plan do the same here in Devon and hopefully watch the trend of breeding birds start to move the other way!!
Sally Mills
Exe Estuary Site Manager,
Reserve Office 01392 824614
New Canoe Loops to Exe-plore
The Canoe Loops are a series of self-guided circular canoeing/kayaking trails that link the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal between Exeter Quayside and the Exe Estuary.
A new Canoe Loops Leaflet has been produced to promote the trails and new access steps have been installed to improve canoe ingress, egress and portage around weirs. The waterproof leaflet details routes, access point locations, safety advice and a code of conduct.
There are four loops which can be paddled from different access points and in different combinations. Canoeists can head down the river and back up the canal and join up loops for longer trips. It takes most people 2-3 hours to paddle each loop and the complete circuit from Exeter Quay to Turf Locks and back is 17km, which can take a full day.
Exeter Canoe Loops is a partnership project between the Environment Agency and Exeter City Council.
Nick Whatley
Tel: 01392 316034
Email: nick.whatley@environment-agency.gov.uk
Swimmers conquer the Exe to raise money for local charity
This year's Topsham-to-Turf Ferryman’s Swim was held on Saturday 6th August 2011
Estuary’s largest annual fundraising event returned for its sixth year, aiming to break last year’s fantastic fundraising total of over £5,000, which helped fund their specially adapted, wheelchair-accessible transport vehicle. This has been vital in helping them to carry out their work in Topsham, Countess Wear, and the surrounding small towns and villages
For information about how the event went, please visit www.estuary-league-friends.co.uk or email rachel.estuary@virgin.net
Exe Wake is in full swing
Exe Wake has launched a new electronic newsletter to keep local water sport fans up to date with developments in the Exe Wake world with the latest offers, competitions and news.
Exe Wake, based in Exmouth, are one of Devon’s leading watersports companies offering a variety of watersport experiences including wake boarding, water skiing and banana boat rides.
To find out more and register your email address to receive the newsletter contact:
Exe Wake Watersports
Tel: 07825 539 450
Email: info@exewake.com
Web: www.exewake.com
Share the Smile
Blue Gym, a new initiative which aims to promote the benefits of regular interaction with the water environment, is inviting you to ‘Share the Smile’ by taking action to inspire others to make the most of the water.
Whether sailing, canoeing, kite surfing, wildlife watching or any other water based leisure pursuit; regular enjoyment of water based activities helps people to
Reduce stress levels
Increase physical activity, making you fitter and healthier
Strengthen communities
Links and binds us to the natural environment
The Blue Gym is a not for profit partnership of the Peninsula Medical School, Environment Agency, Natural England and Department of Health. It is a web based networking site linking you with like minded water sport enthusiasts to share favourite sites, hints, queries and much more.
Map your Blue Gym places and events
Blue Gym has started building a UK one stop shop window for anyone wanting to know where they can go to in the UK to enjoy the Blue Gym, local events, clubs, launch points and other information to help anyone take advantage of our wonderful blue inland and coastal resources. So join www.thebluegym.org.uk to help us map your special places and local events. There are other things you can do there too; such as set up your own groups to just share information amongst friends & clubs.
Take action to inspire others about what our watery places have to offer!
Regular water sport enthusiasts are well aware of the enjoyment and benefits that these activities can bring for both physical and mental wellbeing. But for many communities there are barriers to this participation; such as a lack of awareness of the clubs and support that is available locally.
If you already do something great around water why not help others by ‘sharing the smile’ and share what you find great about being around the water with your local community. If they’re inspired to enjoy the water environment more often, then we’ve achieved our main aim and they are sure to be grateful of your encouragement and support once they feel the physical and mental benefits of their experiences.
If you or they would like to do even more to support others to get involved then you can donate to local programmes, such as Exeter Street Paddler, through the Blue Gym Partnership. These programmes spread the benefits and provide life changing experiences to groups and individuals who may not have a friend like you to open the door for them.
So share the smile and help others to enjoy the fantastic estuaries, seas, rivers and lakes available in the South West by visiting www.thebluegym.org.uk and join the movement now to help us become a healthier, happier nation!
Cockle Survey
Following earlier explorative attempts in 2007 by Exmouth Mussels to fish for cockles in the Exe using their shellfish eco-harvester vessel Alibi, a survey was requested by Natural England (NE) into the likely affects of the fishery on the integrity of the Exe Special Protection Area. Talks were held between Natural England, Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, Plymouth University and Exmouth Mussels to decide the methodology of the trials in order to obtain the information required to make a decision with regard to the future of the fishery.
The trial divides Cockle Sands into four strips, each approximately 150m wide and running roughly west to east. On two of these strips fishing is permitted, but limited to a maximum of 30 minutes twice a week, and on the other two strips no fishing is allowed.
Extensive survey work was undertaken during May 2009 in order to understand the current condition of the area and create the baseline data that later results can be compared to. The survey involved conducting several key tests every 100m along a transect line, these tests included:
Sieving a 10th/1m2 quadrat of sand and counting any cockles in order to assess the density of the stocks on the ground, this is in line with standard shellfish sampling methodology.
A standard drop test to determine the density of the substrate.
A core sample was taken to assess the particle size of the substrate
In addition, four core samples were taken in a random pattern around the initial sample point to assess the structure of the benthic communities.
The limited fishery commenced the following week. Surveying now takes place every month and will do so for a full year. Each survey starts with an officer going out on the harvester to look at the composition of the catch, damage rates and rate of catch and is followed by the initial tests being repeated. By sampling at low water just after a fishing operation the tests can assess the impact on small immature cockles that are disturbed by the fishing activity. Assessment is also undertaken on the impact of the dredge tracks and how long they take to dissipate.
Following the end of the trial a decision will be made whether the fishery can be undertaken on a permanent basis and whether any restrictions on the activity are necessary to safeguard the Exe Special Protection Area.
Initial results indicate that the fishing is not impacting on abundance, diversity or number of species. Visually tracks appeared reduced after 10 days.
Tim Robbins
Deputy Chief Fishery Officer
Devon Sea Fisheries Committee
New Bird Hide for Exmouth
In our spring edition of Exepress we asked for your ideas of how to best spend our new Exe Estuary collection pot funds, which have been collected by Stuart Line Cruises from their generous visitors for the last few months.
So far we have about £2,000, every penny of which will be spent on a new project for the estuary that the partnership would not otherwise have been able to support.
Geoff Morris, Jeff Gregory and Tim Todd of Exmouth contacted us to talk about their project to build a bird hide on a section of land next to the railway on Mudbank Lane in Exmouth. Currently there are no bird hides in Exmouth but plenty of bird lovers keen to have somewhere to watch the amazing birds that visit the estuary each year and this is the perfect spot for views of a key feeding area for many of the over wintering species, such as Brent Geese.
The partnership agreed that this is the perfect use of the funds, much of which was donated by bird lovers enjoying a Stuart Line bird watching cruise, and as there were no other suggestions put forward we have agreed that all funds raised will be donated to this cause and that the Exe Estuary Officer will work with the group to help to make their aspirations a reality. Once this project is complete we will once again be looking to Exepress readers to suggest other projects worthy of the support.
Our thanks and gratitude to Stuart line for their help and hard work
Coastal Defence: The Coastal Management Study and Shoreline Management Plan Technically Feasible Options for the Exe Estuary have been published
The Coastal Management Study, which has informed the technically feasible options for the Shoreline Management Plan, is now available to download at www.sdadcag.org.uk
The SMP policies define the future flood defence strategy for the estuary for the next 100 years. The estuary has been divided into 21 units and for each unit a management policy has been created for three different epochs; 0 to 20, 20 to 50 and 50 to 100 years. The next 0 to 20 years sees little change in the current management of the estuary's coastal defences, except for potential wetland creation by the Lower Clyst, which the RSPB are currently managing a feasibility study for.
The greatest change will come in the 20 to 50 and 50 to 100 year epochs when we could see the current coastal defences realigned in order to better protect the estuary from the risk of flooding and large storm events. The SMP policies are those deemed to be the most technically feasible options at this point but are not set in stone and may change with time and future research.
To find out more about the Coastal Management Study please visit our Studies and Research page
The SMP policies will be available for consultation in spring 2009, to register your interest in this and other estuary related news please email or call the Estuary Officer on 01392 382236
