Latest News from the Estuary
Managing the Estuary’s Flood Defences into the Future
New Film Captures the Sparkle of the Warren
Pumpkin Fever at Powderham Country Store!
Swimmers conquer the Exe to raise money for local charity
New Viewing Platform at Exminster Marshes
Just add water - new life on the RSPB Exe Estuary reserves
Exe Estuary Pollution Prevention Campaign
Next Phase of Exmouth Docks Development - Contribute your views to our response to EDDC
New Film about the Exe Estuary
Tidal Power comes to the Exe Estuary
Changes at the Old Sludge Beds
National and Regional Maritime News
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.
As part of this, we have developed predictions of flood and coastal erosion risk over the next century. We are holding a public exhibition to explain how the strategy will develop and to describe the flood risk around the estuary now and in the future. We would like to receive your feedback and improve our understanding of your concerns. The planned exhibition will be held on Thursday 23rd September from 2:30 to 8:00pm in the Conference Room at The Coaver Club, Devon County Council, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD
You may drop in for as long or as little as you would like to view the exhibition and talk to knowledgeable staff from the Environment Agency and consultants from Halcrow and Atkins. If between the hours of 2.30pm and 4pm please use the pay and display visitor car park at County Hall and report to the main reception for directions to the Coaver Club. If after 4pm you may enter the main car parking area where parking will be free, car park F is the closest to the Coaver Club on the County Hall campus. For further details about visiting County Hall, including public transport options, please visit: http://www.devon.gov.uk/county_hall.htm
Until then, if you have any questions please see
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31736.aspx
or contact
Steve Rendell
Environment Agency
01392 442021
Steve.Rendell@environment-agency.gov.uk
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 leaflet is being produced to promote the trails and new access steps have been installed to improve canoe ingress, egress and portage around weirs. The waterproof leaflet will detail 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
New Film Captures the Sparkle of the Warren
Dawlish Warren Tourism Group has commissioned a new film to inspire more visitors to holiday at the lively and diverse resort. The short sequence captures the life and energy of this bustling seaside resort with images of happy visitors enjoying the beach, golf course, National Nature Reserve and entertainment attractions.
The film aims to ensure that Dawlish Warren maintains its reputation as one of South Devon's favourite family holiday destinations. Andrew Bulpin, Secretary of the Tourism Group, said “The sand-dune backed Blue Flag beach make it ideal for families with young children and we really wanted to capture the essence of the Warren so that more people will understand why it is such a popular holiday destination”.
“There is varied entertainment for people of all ages with both traditional and modern pubs, bars and restaurants which all help create memorable family holidays that will be treasured for years to come.”
The Warren, along with other Towns around the Exe, provides a year-round holiday destination that is essential to the local economy. Visitors have a substantial impact on many businesses around the estuary from hotels and campsites to the wide variety of recreational activities, ferry services, shops, car parking, and restaurants which they visit.
To view the film and for more information about the Warren please visit: www.dawlishwarren.info
Swimmers conquer the Exe to raise money for local charity
The annual Topsham-to-Turf swim has become part of the traditional summer on the Exe and this year proved no exception when a record 78 swimmers took to the water to raise money for the Estuary League of Friends.
Started by Topsham ferryman Mike Stevens, whose original swim across the Exe inspired this event, the swimmers raised over £5000 – a 20% increase on the amount raised in 2009. The funds go towards a disability-friendly vehicle the charity will use for clients in Exeter, Exmouth and across East Devon.
The currents were favourable for the swimmers this year allowing the fastest to reach the finishing point at the Turf in just 26 minutes. The final swimmer closed the race after 100 minutes. In addition to the swimmers there were kayaks, ribs and boats accompanying them, along with the official photographer from Lympstone marine camp.
As well as the swimmers, the success of the event is thanks to the scores of volunteers who helped – including many from Topsham Sailing Club, Strutt & Parker, and Estuary League of Friends – doing everything from swimmers’ registration, making hot drinks, support boats and collecting donations.
The event, sponsored this year by the local offices of Landmark Information Services and Strutt & Parker, is part of a weekend of events on the river, including waterside music sessions and a tug of war across the estuary – a real community event, helping one of the area’s most active charities.
For information about next year’s swim please visit www.estuary-league-friends.co.uk or email rachel.estuary@virgin.net
Pumpkin Fever at Powderham Country Store!
Over 300 people are growing pumpkins for the first ever Powderham Pumpkin Festival, which takes place from Saturday 23 October at the Country Store. BBC Gardeners World presenter Toby Buckland will be judging them and will have quite a job on his hands.
Clare Crawshaw, General Manager said, “There is a real buzz around this competition. We have reports of pumpkins that are already over 50lbs in weight. We know they can grow to at least 400lbs so they have some way to go yet. I think our challenge will be getting weighing scales that can weigh that amount!”
Powderham Castle gardening team are also growing pumpkins for carving, in the former Victorian Kitchen Garden.
“It is great that we are planting produce in the kitchen garden again. The pumpkins are growing so well - they are taking over the Estate! The weather has been perfect so at this rate we should have plenty for everyone to carve come October, Claire Crawshaw.”
Everyone is invited to join in the fun and watch the BIG pumpkin weigh-off at 12 noon on 23 October.
Powderham Castle
Tel: 01626 891456
Website: www.powderham.co.uk
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!
New Viewing Platform at Exminster Marshes
A new viewing platform has been built on the Exe Estuary Trail overlooking Exminster Marshes, near to the Turf Locks Hotel.
The platform, which was funded by Devon County Council, Exeter City Council and the RSPB, will have some interpretation about the trail, sustainability and local wildlife.
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
Just add water - new life on the RSPB Exe Estuary reserves
Change can be a difficult thing to spot, especially when it happens over a long time, but visit the RSPB Exe Estuary reserves this autumn and we hope that you will notice a big change - more water, and lots more wildlife!
Over the last 3 years, we’ve been working hard to create new pools, ditches and wet areas, and now for the first time we are able to directly control the water levelsall overour Exminster Marshes reserve. We’ve also improved the flow of water to Powderham Marshes, creating new wet areas, something that should be obvious if you visit the viewing platform this autumn.
Over the estuary at Bowling Green Marsh, we’ve also improved the water flow and opened up new areas of water around the island, all of which should provide more viewing opportunities from the hide.
Like ducks to water, we’ve had lots more, well, ducks! This year has seen garganey, shoveler and teal breeding successfully, together with 14 pairs of lapwing and 4 pairs of redshank. Following their best ever breeding year further north, ospreys have again graced the estuary this autumn.
As one major project comes to successful completion, another is just beginning. Devon County Council has begun the initial groundworks that will lead eventually to the construction of the next stage of the NCN cycle path alongside the railway next to RSPB Goosemoor.
EXE ESTUARY POLLUTION PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
Mike Ingman from the Environment Agency will be carrying out pollution prevention visits toBoat Yards and Sailing Clubs along the Exe Estuary over the next six months.
This campaign will focuson the storage and management of oil, waste andhazardousmaterials as well as looking atsite drainage and discharges to the estuary.Mike ishoping to raise standardsand improve environmental awareness.
If you wish to find out more, please contact Mike Ingman on 01392 316231. For information on pollution prevention, please visitthe Environment Agency Website atwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/ppg
Next Phase of Exmouth Docks Development Causes Public Anger
Over the last 5 years Exmouth Docks has gradually been developed with a series of apartment and Town houses being erected. The lastest stage of development is the construction of Spinnaker Court on land adjacent to Windward Court, Shelly Rd. The orignal planning application was for 7 apartments and 2 town houses, this has now been resubmitted with a request for 14 apartments. Understandably local residents are concerned and the Exmouth Quay Residents Association has gone so far as to release a mock up photo of what the development will look like (viewable below).
To view the planning application please visit http://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/publicaccess/
the application reference is 09/0986/MFUL
The Exe Estuary Management Partnership have taken the decision not to respond to the planning application as a partnership but individual partners have responded separtley. This is because the partnership recognises that Exmouth Town Council have already made strong objections to the proposal and feel that they are the right organisation to make this response. The Town and Parish Councils are in fact very effective at giving a clear response as has Exmouth Town Council in this case and the other relevant partners will be responding individually on behalf of their own organisations such as the Environment Agency.
We would look to Natural England to provide guidance as to whether the proposals are going to damage the designated site and if this is felt to be the case then the partnership would consider this matter very seriously.
Natural England's position: "
Natural England (NE) was consulted by East Devon District Council over the outline planning application made on the site when they granted permission in 2005. Our advice to the planning authority at that time was that the development could go ahead subject to compliance with the mitigation measures identified by the Appropriate Assessment as required under the Habitats Regulations. The Appropriate Assessment is designed to assess the impacts of the development on the biodiversity features of the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area. As NE understands it, the current revised application does not include any alterations to the sea wall and all construction will take place on the landward side of the sea wall. We consider that the construction of this new development will have no additional impact on the nature conservation features of the estuary and our advice to the local planning authority reflects this view. With this in mind NE is not objecting to this current application.
NE appreciates local concerns that there may be additional recreational use of the designated site once the buildings are occupied, but we will deal with any issues that arise from this separately from this development proposal."
Although not responding on behalf of the funding partners we have collated a response on behalf of our Forum and this has been submitted to East Devon District Council.
To watch a film conveying local opinions of the development please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7K7lK2H6kY
New Film about the Exe Estuary
In conjunction with the Devon Maritime Forum the Exe Estuary Management Partnership has produced a short film that celebrates the life and vibrancy of the estuary. The film is a showcase of some of the different elements that make up the life and workings of the Exe while highlighting some of the key concerns and management issues for its future.
We intend to use the film to raise awareness of the different people who live and work on the Exe and the need to involve them in decision making about the future of this fantastic site. We hope to work with curriculum experts to create a project for schools to study the estuary, especially those visiting for an educational trip with the Exe Estuary Officer.
The film is available to watch soon on this website, and will be shown at the Exe Estuary Festival on Saturday 8th August.
Our sincere thanks go to Jim Masters of the Devon Maritime Forum for making this film possible as well as all those who gave their time generously to be interviewed for it.
Tidal Power comes to the Exe Estuary
Aquascientific, a start-up company based at Exeter University has been developing a highlyefficienttidal turbine that they hope will provide an environmentally sound alternative to barrage technologies. The company have recently been awarded three highlycompetitiveawards and havereceivedbacking from theRoyal Society. The turbine design differs from propeller based designs by novel, low speed blade rotationthat will allow marine life to pass through unharmed.
After two successful prototypes, the company are preparing to test their third device in the Exe Estuary over thiscomingsummer. The device, which is 2 meters wide, will be attached to an existing barge near Dawlish Warren and will produce around 15KW of power, enough to power 20 to 30 houses. The device will be tested not connected to the grid and will only be tested in six hour blocks to monitor itsefficiency and provide a demonstration for potential investors.
Aquascientificbelievethey have developed a turbine that is twice asefficientas other devices and recent results have attracted attention from both investors andenvironmentalorganisations. For more information on the project you can visit their website: www.aquascientific.com.
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 £800, 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
The Old Sludge Beds - A Haven for Wildlife
When you think of the Exe Estuary it is often the river and intertidal mud flats that immediately spring to mind, however, the estuary represents an important mosaic of habitats that support a wide variety of both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Sites like the Old Sludge Beds Nature Reserve, at the top of the Exe Estuary, form essential parts of the jigsaw that makes the Exe not just a nice place to visit, but in nature conservation terms, an area of international importance.
Careful management of the nature reserve by the Devon Wildlife Trust has created a valuable mixture of reed bed, open water and willow scrub. This in turn supports an abundance of animal life including reed warbler, Cetti’s warbler, harvest mice (who build their summer nest in amongst the reed stems) and a variety of dragonflies (14 species recorded), butterflies and other insects.
Management is achieved through a combination of water level control, rotational reed cutting and some scrub control in winter. It is essential that high water levels are maintained during the summer months so as to promote the valuable wetland communities, together with their associated species, while preventing further encroachment by scrub.
This winter has been a particularly busy time for the reserve as funding was kindly made available by the Pennon Environmental Fund (PEF) and the Alcoa Foundation to create a large area of open water at the entrance to the reserve and renovate an old building on the site to encourage its usage by bats. A digger was brought in to the site to re-excavate an area of open water that had become choked by the encroaching reed vegetation. The resulting open water habitat should prove to be beneficial to a plethora of insects, birds and foraging bats, while also creating a focal point for visitors. An old building on the site has also been renovated through careful design and construction, to create a variety of roost sites and microclimates; this should prove valuable to various bat species at different times of year.
In addition, the project will allow the bat species in this part of the Exe Estuary to be monitored. The funding has allowed the purchase of a sensitive bat detector and specialist computer software which will allow the analysis of the sounds produced by bats as they forage and move across the site. It looks like the Devon Wildlife Trust reserves team will be having some late nights this summer as they survey for bats, so furthering their knowledge and understanding of Britain’s only flying mammal in this part of the Exe Estuary.
Next time you are exploring the Exe, why not have a look around this unusual part of the estuary and pay a visit to the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve which is located behind the Sewage Treatment Works at Countess Wear, Exeter.
Access to the Old Sludge Beds Nature Reserve (SX 952888)
From the Countess Wear roundabout (on the Exeter-Topsham road) take the A379 towards Dawlish. After 600m (0.4 miles) you pass over the Exe, turn immediately left into the South West Water sewage treatment works entrance and park on the right in the University boathouse car park (SX 941 894). Walk along the canal past the sewage works, turning immediately left at the far end. The reserve entrance lies on the right (SX 950 889).
Ed Hopkinson, Devon Wildlife Trust
Tel: 07971930690
Email: ehopkinson@devon2.clara.co.uk
Web: www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Regional and National Maritime News
Brought to you by the Devon Maritime Forum
Common Fisheries Policy
The European Commission has launched a wide-ranging debate on the way that EU fisheries are managed. Their aim is to gather views from all those with an interest in the future of Europe's fisheries: fishermen, fish processors, retailers, environmentalists, consumers, taxpayers – in fact, every EU citizen. That includes you! You are invited to comment on any aspect of fisheries policy – there is no such thing as a no-go area in this reform, helping to pave the way for a substantial overhaul of the management of EU fisheries.
The Commission's Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy outlines the state of Europe's fisheries today. While important initiatives have been taken to make EU fisheries more sustainable, important problems remain. Europe's fish stocks have been over-fished for decades. Over-fished stocks have resulted in European consumers now being dependent on imports for their seafood. Fishing fleets remain too large and, as they have fewer fish to catch, they remain unprofitable, despite being heavily subsidised. It could be argued that European citizens pay for their fish twice – once at the shop counter, and again through their tax invoices.
More information about the Common Fisheries Policy, and a downloadable version of the ‘Green Paper’ are available at:
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/reform/
Marine Conservation Zones
Defra – the Department for the Environment, Food and Regional Affairs – has launched a new consultation on “a Strategy for Marine Protected Areas, Delivering Marine Conservation Zones and European Marine Sites”.
The delivery of a well managed ecologically coherent, network of MPAs has been identified as one of the key tools in delivering their vision of ‘clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas’. The MPA network will help ensure they are able to recover and protect the richness of the marine environment and ensure the loss of marine biodiversity is halted.
The Strategy is one element of three key pieces of work they are producing in relation to the MPA network. The three elements are as follows:
1. Public consultation on the draft MPA strategy – April 2009 to July 2009
2. Publication of four revised Defra draft MCZ guidance documents – May 2009
3. Development of new MCZ technical and governance guidance – May to September 2009
High level Marine Objectives
Defra have also published their High Level Marine Objectives. These are available as a downloadable document from http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/pdf/environment/ourseas-2009update.pdf and will play a central role in the development of the policy statements which will underpin the Marine Bill, when it comes in to being. The Marine Bill will be seen by the House of Commons in due course, having completed the Report Stage in the House of Lords on the 1st June 2009.
Devon Maritime Forum
Devon Maritime Forum held a successful and enjoyable meeting at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham, where topics discussed included the Common Fisheries Policy, Sea Fisheries Committees and their transfer to Inshore Fishery Conservation Authorities, the development of the Marine Management Organisation and the Water Framework Directive. The 80+ delegates were also treated to a lunch-time performance by the Exmouth Shantymen.
For more Marine related news visit the DMF website at: www.devonmaritimeforum.org
Jim Masters
Devon Maritime Forum coordinator
Tel : 01392 383231
Email: jim.masters@devon.gov.uk
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
Sailability Boat Launched
A new boat designed to be usable by people of varying abilities has been launched by the Exe Sailing Club in Exmouth. Thanks to money donated from Devon County Council and the determined efforts of Councillor Eileen Wragg amongst others, the new craft will be used in the training of keen young sailors in Exmouth and the surrounding areas.
The boat was launched from Exmouth Marina on Tuesday 30th September in front of a large audience of interested spectators including members from Exmouth Sailing Club who competed at the Beijing Olympics. The Exmouth Shantymen were on hand to provide some great entertainment in the form of their shanty songs. The traditional champagne christening was carried out by a granddaughter of the late Jim Shaptor, a keen sailor and passionate Exmouthian
The new craft will allow the Exe Sailing Club to deliver more training opportunities and will offer more individuals the opportunity to learn to sail, especially those who would be unable to participate on standard boats.
New Station for the Exmouth RNLI – Construction Progresses
By the time you are reading this the RNLI lifeboat crew should be firmly established in their new home on Exmouth seafront. It has been a long journey involving countless hours of volunteer time and numerous events in order to raise funds for the new boathouse but the end is almost in sight with the internal fitting taking place in May.
The new building contains an RNLI shop, offices, public viewing platform and storage capabilities. The crew have been busy mastering the new equipment, such as a boat recovery system, that they have managed to perfect to a confident 17 minutes rather than their original practices which took over an hour.
Funding available for projects with innovative environmental solutions for marine boating
The Green Blue is a joint environmental awareness initiative with the RYA and BMF. We work to research environmental issues of relevance to the recreational and marine industries sector. We also support pilot projects with small grants and have an outreach and volunteer programme.
The Project is currently trying to seek out best practice i.e. people or organisations who have been involved in innovative environmental solutions for the marine boating sector. This could be projects which have been completed but could be rolled out elsewhere or projects which need a small amount of seed funding to help them get off the ground. Examples are the anti-foul capture facilities in Hamble, the work done by Weymouth to green their Youth Worlds Championships, water resource management at yacht clubs or recycling facilities in marinas. Perhaps you know of people teaching about wildlife and boating? Projects dealing with sensitive use of RIBs and Personal Watercraft?
If you can think of any projects that could be interested in either promotion, or funding by the Green Blue please have a look at the website www.thegreenblue.org.uk
Posted by: Sarah Black of: The Green Blue on: 12/06/2006 email: sarah.black@rya.org.uk