Waterway Watch » Environment

Non-tidal Thames – Drought Update

Will Chapman — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:05:02 +0000

boating on the non-tidal Thames -
drought update

Dear boater,

How does the drought affect you now?
At present there are no drought-related restrictions to boating on the Thames. Recent rainfall has increased flows in the River Thames, though this is likely to be relatively short-lived unless there is further rain.

Thames Water’s hosepipe ban means that you may not use a hosepipe to wash a leisure boat. You may only use our water points to fill up your boat’s water tanks; not to wash your boat.

Please continue to use water wisely. The south east is still in drought. One month’s significant rainfall after an extended dry period is not enough to greatly alter the situation. Groundwater levels are still well below average, and are not likely to recover until winter.

Last month, the Thames catchment received 255 per cent of the rainfall that we would normally expect in April. But March was exceptionally dry, and the Thames catchment only received 38 per cent of its long-term average rainfall for the month. River flows were more typical of late summer.

Potential impacts for boating
Falling water levels trigger actions for us to maintain river levels for boating. In order, these are:

a ban on the use of hoses/sprinklers at lock sites – implemented April 2012
voluntary delays to lock passage – not yet implemented
elevation of water levels above target – not yet implemented
‘sealing’ of weir sluices (depending on water levels) – not yet implemented (although works to minimise leakage in weirs and locks are under way)

If the drought worsens and flows on the Thames decline, further potential actions are:

out-of-hours power switched off at powered locks
lock passage restricted to once every half hour
locks closed out of hours

The water levels may vary along the river and the measures will be implemented accordingly. Each lock keeper will be able to tell you the situation at their lock. Out of hours, please refer to the lock notice board.

For more information
For updates on the drought position on the Thames, please visit our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamesdrought.

If you would like to receive e-mail updates about the drought or other river information please e-mail us at riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk and include ‘Register for updates’ in the title of your message.

For updates on river conditions please call our free Navigation Information Line on 0845 988 1188 (when prompted press 1, followed by 011131) or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverthamesconditions

Andrew Graham
Environment Agency South East Waterways drought lead

Planting the canal lock gates of the future?

Will Chapman — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:19:22 +0000

14th Dec 2011

British Waterways will this week begin planting 100 native elm trees by canals and rivers across the country, in order to enhance the nation’s natural waterside heritage.

The 50cm-tall saplings will be planted by volunteers working alongside British Waterways’ environment team. Planting locations will include the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, the Droitwich Canals, the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Aire & Calder Navigation, the Pocklington Canal, the Lancaster Canal, and the River Trent.

The elm has a long-standing relationship with Britain’s canals and rivers as the timber withstands wet conditions very well, making it the traditional material for making lock gates and cills for more than 200 years.

Before the 1960s, many millions of native elms had thrived on our soils for centuries, however more than 90% of them were wiped out in a decade by a deadly fungus, Dutch elm disease, which is spread by the elm bark beetle.

Important wildlife habitat

British Waterways has sourced the elm saplings from The Conservation Foundation, which has taken cuttings from mature parent elms found growing in the British countryside, that appear to have resisted Dutch elm disease.

Dr Mark Robinson, British Waterways’ ecologist, explains: “The survival of some of the UK’s native elms is a good example of natural selection in action. By propagating and replanting those that have survived, we can start to bring back this majestic tree, the English elm, to our country.

“Elms are important habitat for hundreds of lichen and invertebrate species, including the rare white-letter hairstreak butterfly. Elm wood is also particularly good at resisting water and was traditionally popular for boat building, barge hulls, bridge foundations, cartwheels and even the first urban water pipes. Due to the devastation of the species, we no longer use elm wood to make our lock gates. However, we can help to bring back this much missed and valuable species, and maybe one day they can be used as lock gates once again.”

via Planting the canal lock gates of the future? | News | Waterscape.

Ownership of reservoir that feeds Birmingham Canal Network changes

Will Chapman — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:45:04 +0000

The ownership of the reservoir that provides British Waterways with essential water to maintain levels in the Birmingham Canal Network, and beyond has been transferred.

The ownership of Chasewater Country Park and reservoir has transferred to Staffordshire County Council in a strategic move set to secure and strengthen the long-term future of this key regional resource. Recently the reservoir had to be emptied as part of essential multi-million pound improvement works to the dam.

Chasewater Reservoir was created in 1797 to feed the local canal network which was the main transport hub for the industrial revolution in the Midlands.

Previously, Chasewater Country Park and reservoir were owned and managed by Lichfield District Council, which inherited the park in 1994 following a local authority boundary change. Since then, millions of pounds have been pumped into the park’s transformation, thanks to the work of the district and county council, together with external grant funding.

The Chasewater Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs in the West Midlands and the Chasewater Country Park attracts around 150,000 visitors a year.

County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Assets, said: “Chasewater Country Park consists of 360 hectares of open space, and is a fantastic fit for the county’s property portfolio.

“It will join our network of 12 country parks and open spaces which are run as leisure attractions and havens for wildlife.

“We are already looking at potential ways of developing Chasewater further as a cultural and economic facility. The county council operates the Chasewater Innovation Centre which has tremendous development potential. The site also lies very close to where the Staffordshire Hoard was discovered, and we are keen to work with our Mercian Trail partners to see what opportunities could exist for telling the story of this breathtaking piece of our local history at Chasewater.

“We are also keen to develop relations with all the many community groups that currently use Chasewater and seek their views on the site’s potential. This will include Chasewater Railway, the sailing club, wildlife group and other stakeholder groups. There is also the county council run Outdoor Education Centre that could benefit. We will look at all options to draw more people to the area and benefit the local economy.

“We will build on the good work Lichfield District Council has carried up to this point.”

Councillor Val Richards, Deputy Leader of Lichfield District Council, explains: “It is most unusual for a small district council like ours to be responsible for managing such an integral part of the nation’s infrastructure. Managing an asset of this size places a huge burden on the district council and our small number of council tax payers. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Staffordshire County Council for working alongside us, and for agreeing to take over the future ownership and management of the park and dam.”

Under the move Chasewater Country Park will continue to be managed by a team at Lichfield District Council for the next three years and the county council will lead the completion of the essential improvement works to the dam.

Councillor Mark Winnington continued: “We have a broad range of skills within the county council that include complex engineering project management such as the dam improvements.

“Staffordshire County Council and Lichfield District Council are committed to ensuring that the public will continue to be able to enjoy the attractions of Chasewater in coming years, and that through the works to the dam, the safety of all those living nearby will be secured. There will be no additional costs to the tax payer as a result of the transfer, and once the works are complete local people and visitors will be able to enjoy ChasewaterCountryParkat its very best once again.”

About Chasewater Country Park

There are excellent bird watching, rambling and cycling opportunities and a children’s play area.

It is also home to the Chasewater Railway, a heritage steam railway run by volunteers.

The county council already operates the Chasewater Innovation Centre and an outdoor education centre which are either on or adjacent to the site, and already owns large parts of the park, including a large section of the eastern dam.

via Chasewater joins Staffordshire County Council’s family of country parks | Lichfield District Council.

DEFRA Calls off Forest sales

Will Chapman — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:43:13 +0000

The consultation on the future management of the Public Forest Estate has been halted and all forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill will be removed, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed today.

Mrs Spelman also announced that an independent panel of experts will examine forestry policy in England and report back to her in the autumn.

Speaking in the House of Commons the Environment Secretary said;

“I would first like to say that I take full responsibility for the situation that brings me before the House today.

“Let me make it clear that we have always placed the highest priority on preserving access and protecting our forests. But the forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill, published well before we launched the consultation, gave the wrong impression as to the Government’s intentions.

“That is why I am today announcing three steps which will allow for more measured and rational debate about the future direction of forestry policy.

“First, I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the Public Forest Estate and I take full responsibility for that. I am doing so because it is quite clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many MPs are not happy with the proposals we set out.

“Second, the Government will support the removal of the forestry clauses from the Public Bodies Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords.

“And thirdly I would like to announce that I am establishing an independent Panel to consider forestry policy in England. It will report to me with its findings this autumn. The Panel will advise me on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, on the role of the Forestry Commission, and on the role of the Public Forest Estate. The Panel will include representatives of key environmental and access organisations alongside representatives of the forestry industry. I will shortly publish its membership and terms of reference.

“If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they bring. My first priority throughout this period of debate has been securing a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests. On many occasions in the House last autumn, Ministers gave assurances that our aim in all of this has been to do more to maintain and enhance the public benefits delivered by forestry – from recreational access to wildlife protection; from tackling climate change to sustaining a wide range of small businesses. That is why my ambition to provide a better future for our forests is undiminished.

“We have already heard positive suggestions about how we can do this – for heritage forests and all other woodlands. We have spoken to the RSPB, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, the Ramblers and other groups. The Forestry Commission has itself acknowledged that change is needed and will of course be fully engaged in this process going forward, as I know they have many ideas to contribute.

“We have also been listening to MPs on all sides of the House many of whom have set up their own initiatives with local groups. We want to support them in this.

“Finally, I am sorry, we got this one wrong, but we have listened to people’s concerns. I would like to thank colleagues for their support through what has been a difficult time. I now want to move forward in step with the public. I hope that the measures I have announced today, signalling a fresh approach, demonstrate my intention to do the right thing for our forests and woodlands.”

via News : NDS.

Volunteers sought to improve wildlife habitats

Will Chapman — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:15:38 +0000

7th Feb 2011

British Waterways is looking for volunteers to help install and maintain bird boxes at Stewponey near Kinver on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.

The activity, taking place between 10am and 12pm on Saturday 19th February, will be led by a British Waterways ecologist who will show participants how to maintain existing bird boxes as well as how to locate and install new boxes. The event coincides with National Nest Box Week (14th – 21st Feb) which is organised each year by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

Canals and rivers provide excellent habitat and breeding spots for a wide range of wildlife, including some protected species, but with many natural nesting sites on the decline there is a danger that birds will move to other areas. It’s hoped that the boxes will provide homes for species such as Willow Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Sparrow, although the more common Great tit, Blue tit and Wren are very welcome too.

As well as installing new boxes the volunteers will also be carrying out the important task of cleaning out the existing ones to remove any parasites and build-up of debris ready for the breeding season.

Pest control

While they’re at it the volunteers will also be helping to install boxes to attract Soprano Pipistrelle and the Daubenton’s Bats. Bats are very important species for their control of pest insects and may even play a role in the control of diseases that are spread by midges and mosquitoes. Frequently birds and bats try to nest in the same boxes so by providing different types of box the volunteers will help to ensure that both can happily live alongside each other.

British Waterways ecologist Paul Wilkinson said; “Unfortunately the natural nest sites which many of our bird species depend on are fast disappearing but activities such as the Stewponey event will provide a timely boost ahead of the nesting season.

“Birds are very territorial when it comes to nesting and it would be a real shame if they were driven away due to a lack of safe, warm places in which to lay their eggs. By installing these boxes we’ll be able to maintain, and hopefully improve, the diversity of bird species that people can see by the canal”.

Booking is essential and anyone wishing to participate can do so by contacting Paul Wilkinson on 01827 252000 or paul.wilkinson@britishwaterways.co.uk

via Home tweet home | News | Waterscape.

New path leads to source of Llangollen Canal

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:39:35 +0000

Towpath improvements have been completed along the source of Llangollen Canal which is proving a big draw since becoming a world heritage site.

More than £30,000 was set aside for upgrades to the path to access Horseshoe Falls, Llantysilio, which is situated in a valley on the outskirts of Llangollen.

Part of the money has also been used to create a new path at Trevor near the imposing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Community participation has been at the heart of this project from the outset.

The work forms part of a wider project to improve community access and involvement in the 11-mile 17km stretch of canal made a world heritage site in 2009.Volunteers helped to carry out the work, said Piers Warburton from British Waterways who is leading the project.

Members of the Shropshire Union Canal Society have also been installing benches, enabling visitors to “rest and absorb the stunning views”.

Last month, the UK Government gave the go ahead to move British Waterways’ canals and rivers in England & Wales into the so-called third sector – or not-for-profit – as a new “national trust” for waterways.

The plan, says British Waterways, builds on its proposals to safeguard the future of waterways and encourage greater community involvement through initiatives such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project.

This has included wildlife habitat creation schemes to encourage colonisation by native species such as otters whose numbers have been found to be increasing along the world heritage site.And a new group, friends of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal, known as Aqueducks, has also been set up to continue the work once the official project ends next year.

Other schemes include the formation of walks showcasing the history of the area and community arts projects.And the new towpath at Trevor links to a community woodland walks.

The project focuses on communities along the world heritage site route which are Chirk Bank, Chirk, Pentre, Froncysyllte, Trevor, Garth, Llangollen and Llantysilio.

“Community participation has been at the heart of this project from the outset, so it is fitting we hand over a vibrant and dynamic shared vision when the project officially ends next year,” said Mr Warburton.

“We want to leave a healthy community legacy based on the abundant heritage and wide biodiversity of this history rich area.”

via BBC – New path leads to source of Llangollen Canal.

Improved access on the Llangollen Canal

Will Chapman — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:52:48 +0000

21st Oct 2010

The latest in a programme of towpath repairs along picturesque Llangollen Canal has made access easier for visitors within the World Heritage Site, improving access to Horseshoe Falls.

The improvements are part the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project, a dynamic partnership comprising British Waterways, Northern Marches Cymru, Wrexham County Borough Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.

The project came from a strong desire for community involvement when the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & the Llangollen Canal were given World Heritage Status in 2009.

Community engagement has been at the heart of the project from the outset and the Shropshire Union Canal Society has linked in by installing benches in the locality, enabling visitors to rest and absorb the stunning views.

The Government last week gave the go ahead to move British Waterways’ canals and rivers in England & Wales into the third sector as a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways. The plan builds on British Waterways’ own proposals to safeguard the future of the historic waterways and encourage greater community involvement through initiatives such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal Project which has already delivered:

* Environmental & wildlife audits of the 11-mile corridor, including trees, birds and mammals;

* Wildlife habitat creation schemes to encourage colonisation by native species;

* Formation of ‘Aqueducks’ the friends of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal;

* Maintenance and upkeep initiatives across the canal corridor

* Heritage walks showcasing the rich legacy of Thomas Telford’s Industrial Revolution masterpiece;

* Community arts projects involving people of all ages and backgrounds;

* Formation of biodiversity volunteer groups.

“We have engaged with everyone from businesses to schools, retired individuals to interest groups, offering them opportunities to learn new skills and enrich their lives,” said Piers.

“We want to leave a healthy community legacy based on the abundant heritage and wide biodiversity of this history rich area,” he added.

via Improved access on the Llangollen Canal | News | Waterscape.

Fences could help clean up waterways

Will Chapman — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:18:46 +0000

Building good fences could make our water cleaner, and help us to meet European standards, according to researchers working on the UK research councils’ Rural Economy and Land Use Programme (Relu).

Relu scientists have created a computer model to investigate the problem of fecal pollution in UK rivers. The organisms come mainly from farm animals’ feces and untreated human sewage.

As sewage treatment has improved over recent years, human sewage is less problematic, except in times of heavy rainfall, when less efficient treatment works pose a threat. But livestock, and dairy cattle in particular, continue to be a major contributor of harmful organisms. The research shows that there is a high risk of fecal pollution entering watercourses within areas with high densities of dairy cattle.

The UK has to tackle this problem, not only because of the health risks for those such as canoeists and paddlers, especially children, who are directly exposed to pollution in rivers, but also because of European legislation. At the moment, many of our watercourses do not meet the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive.

One way of reducing the numbers of fecal organisms would be to have fewer farm animals grazing in vulnerable areas near rivers. But, for some dairy farmers, a reduction in stocking densities could have serious implications for their livelihoods and there could be economic consequences for wider rural communities.

So, drawing on work from several projects across the Relu research program, the team created a computer model to investigate different approaches to tackling the problem. These included government interventions that would directly restrict stocking levels and simpler, everyday solutions, such as erecting fences to prevent livestock depositing feces directly into watercourses.

They found that simple farm-scale solutions are likely to be most effective at reducing the numbers of potentially dangerous organisms entering watercourses — and could work out cheaper both for farmers and consumers.

Danyel Hampson, from the University of East Anglia, who worked on the computer model, said: “We looked at several policy options available to Defra, such as designating at-risk areas as environmentally sensitive areas, direct restraints on production such as reducing the number of cattle, and taxing nitrogen fertilizers to curb their use, thereby lowering the nutritional quality of the grass, so that the land would feed fewer animals and be grazed less intensively.

“But animals having direct access to the water seems to be one of the major risks. The simple solution of fencing off cattle from rivers is probably one of the most effective ways farmers have of reducing fecal material contaminating watercourses. From the farmer’s point of view, it is a solution that they can get on and do. What is more, funding for fencing is available to farmers from the Defra Catchment Sensitive Farming Capital Grant Scheme.”

Professor Philip Lowe, Director of the Relu program added: “The installation and maintenance of streamside fencing is already supported to a limited extent under some agri-environment schemes, but these findings suggest that it would be beneficial to water quality if these options could be significantly extended and actively promoted to livestock farmers.”

via Fences could help clean up watercourses.

Improving management of wastewater at Foxton Locks

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:58:34 +0000

11th Oct 2010

British Waterways has started work on a £150,000 project at Foxton Locks in Leicestershire to improve the way wastewater is managed at this 200-year-old historic site.

Located on the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Foxton Locks is one of Leicestershire’s top tourist attractions. Built in the early 1800’s the site consists of 10 locks – two staircases of five locks climbing a slope of around 75 ft (approx 23 metres), and the remains of the famous inclined plane boat lift which was dismantled in 1926.

The eight week project involves removing the current sewage cesspit and sewage treatment facility and linking the site to the main line sewerage network.

A new pumping station will be installed and from this a 600 metre long sewage pipe will run from the existing facilities building (located in the bottom car park) across the visitor car park and along a bridleway located alongside a local farmers field. A new manhole will then connect to the public sewer located near the village of Foxton.

“Last for years and require minimal maintenance”

Jeff Whyatt British Waterways senior manager said “Over 300,000 visitors come to Foxton Locks each year which is fantastic – but our current wastewater system wasn’t built to cope with this level of demand. Linking up with the main sewerage system is the perfect solution, one that will last for many years and will require minimal maintenance.”

Since 2005 over £3 million has been spent re-developing this famous site. Works included re-developing the Foxton Locks Inn pub, re-watering of the disused Upper Arm canal, improving pedestrian access to the site and installing interpretation panels to explain the history of this unique site.

During the works the site will remain open to visitors and boaters. The bridleway will be closed for the duration of the works and a diversion route will be signposted.

via Improving management of wastewater at Foxton Locks | News | Waterscape.

Norfolk RSPCA cleans oil-covered swans

Will Chapman — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:21:50 +0000

BBC – 28 August 2010 Last updated at 11:38

Swan clean up Staff at the RSPCA wildlife hospital in Norfolk are involved in the clean-up

A wildlife centre in Norfolk has cleaned up 27 swans contaminated with oil after they were found on the River Nene in Cambridgeshire on Tuesday.

The RSPCA believes more affected swans could still be on the river in the Peterborough area and staff are making patrols to find them.

They will then be taken to the RSPCA wildlife hospital at East Winch, near King’s Lynn, to be cleaned.

The centre said the cleaned and dried swans would be taken back to the river.

Alison Charles from the RSPCA said: “We have rounded up as many as we can and our ambulance drivers are out there trying to catch any stragglers.

“Hopefully we’ll catch the last few as soon as we can because it’s important to get them cleaned quickly.

“They may have ingested some of the oil so we’ve used charcoal to flush that out and hopefully they’ll be alright.”

The Environment Agency is monitoring the River Nene to find the source of the oil leak.

They suspect a nearby culvert has collected oil-contaminated water from nearby roads. A boom has been erected to prevent further leaks into the river.

via BBC News – Norfolk RSPCA cleans oil-covered swans.