Have you written to your MP yet? Do you have a bunch of campaign stuff to give out to people? If not get in touch...

Want to make a real difference to access to water in Cumbria? Get involved with the Lake District Local Access Forum.  Follow this link...

National Park Local Access Forum
It would be good if a "Cumbria Canoeist" could get onto the National Park Local Access Forum to represent water interests (within recreation) now that the minister from DEFRA has opened up the remit of the forums to consider looking at access to water. If you're interested please get in touch with Mark Davies Regional Access Officer
Follow this link...
printable document about this

From the EA...
The Fisheries department of the Environment Agency are planning to install their Rotary screw traps again this year on the River Leven and Troutbeck.
Timings as follows (hopefully) to be installed and operational:

R. Leven - w/c 28th March 2005

Troutbeck - w/c 14th March 2005

and to be out by early June 2005

As last year, signs will be put up in the same locations and warning tape where appropriate.

Smolt traps = Potential HAZARD - PLEASE READ!!

Fish counters

River Levels in Scotland

Public Enquiry re Drought Order (no longer relevant! but left on website for interest)

LDNP Management Plan Review Consultation

Haskins Report

English Nature and the BCU

Eamont Cleanup Day

River call info

BCU River Advisors

Smolt traps = Potential HAZARD - PLEASE READ!!

The Rotary Screw Traps have (@ Troutbeck) and will be (on the Leven) put in place to monitor this year's smolt run (young salmon migrating downstream to the sea).

Jo Barrett of the Environment Agency and the fisheries officers have consulted with Sten and Angela Sture for the Leven and Ian Wilson for Troutbeck to agree on the location of the traps and H&S issues.

Warning signs have been placed at certain locations to highlight the potential hazard.  (We were not allowed by the landowner to put up signs at Newby Bridge but have put them up at the designated egress point (Barkers Field)).

The locations are:
Leven
Directly upstream of the fish counter at Brewer's Field, in between the metal footbridge and the counter. (SD 355 844)
This will be in place next week hopefully (week of 29 March).  At the moment the flows are too high to put it in.

Troutbeck
Downstream of Calgarth Bridge prior to the confluence with Windermere.
(SD 395 997)

Fish Counters in Cumbria

Basinghyll - River Kent

Please use Channel 2 - 2^nd from left bank.

Channel 1 to be avoided at all times as fitted with underwater cameras.

Backbarrow – River Leven

Please use Channel 2 – this is the deep water channel immediately left of the island.

Corby Hill – River Eden

Please use middle channel.

Take care on breakwater behind counter.

Yearl – River Derwent

Please use channel closest to right hand bend.

Please Note:

·        Please go over the fish counter in single passage – repeat passage is undesirable.

·        Take care when going over the channels.

·        Please do not physically touch the base of the counter (in particular the metal electrodes) with boats, paddles etc.  This is the weaker area of the counter and most expensive.

·        Canoeists are at their own risk whilst taking passage over any counter.

·        The general Agency policy for use of Agency owned structures is that use / passage / access if forbidden.  Any increase in use / damage etc. of these counters may result in the Agency preventing access totally.  If they are canoed over – be sensible. 

The Agency makes no representation and gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the information provided.  The Agency cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind, which may arise, or result from any errors or omissions in this information.

 

River Levels in Scotland
There is a useful link on the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency Website. It gives river levels for 90 sites in Scotland at 15 minute intervals. This is much better and cheaper than the EA rivercall service. The Border Esk and Nith are both covered, and it could save Cumbrian paddlers unnecessary travel if looking for water further North.
http://www.sepa.org.uk/data/river_levels/data.htm


1) Result of public enquiry held at Low Wood Hotel, Windermere re: application for drought permits and orders for Ullswater & Windermere.

The permits have been granted which will allow additional water to be removed from both lakes if required until 31st March

The Drought Order which applies to Ullswater and will result in a temporary weir being put in place has not yet been decided upon. If this goes ahead it will be the same as the one used in 1995/6 and should pose no hazard to canoeing.

If people can keep an eye on water levels and send any info about reduced flows to me that would be great.

2)LDNP Management Plan Review Consultation has been published. it can be seen on the LDNP website www.lake-district.gov.uk

The English Access Committee has decided to change the name of Local Access Officer to Local River Advisor, although there is the opportunity for the LAO title to be used under some circumstances

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Lord Haskins' review of rural delivery
Secretary of State Margaret Beckett's statement of 11 November 2003

I am very pleased to welcome today the publication of Lord Haskins’ report on Rural Delivery, copies of which are in the Libraries of both Houses. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Haskins and his team for all their work. The report is compelling in its analysis of the rural delivery landscape as confusing for customers and too bureaucratic and centralised to meet our future challenges. This echoes the concerns which led us to commission his report. While we have already begun to address these concerns this report helps us take our work forward.

Shortly we will also be publishing a review – 3 years on – of the Rural White Paper alongside a study of economic performance in rural areas from Birkbeck College. In the New Year, drawing on the 3 reports, we expect to publish a ‘refreshed’ rural strategy.

I attach a copy of Lord Haskins’ recommendations, but will single out for comment a few key issues.

Next steps

My first priority is an immediate full review of rural funding schemes to provide a clearer and simpler framework for applicants and to achieve a reduction in bureaucratic procedures.

In the principles he published in the summer Lord Haskins called for a clearer division of responsibility between policy making and delivery. Government’s clear role is to set the framework for policy. But is clear that policy advice can be particularly valuable when it comes from those involved in delivery. I attach huge importance to independent advice from my Department’s agencies and partners. I do not intend to lose that advice.

An Integrated Agency

A major challenge in the 21st century is the effective stewardship of land in England against the need to conserve and improve the natural environment, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Lord Haskins recommends bringing together elements of the work done by English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service where those functions will most enable the agency to reflect its new remit. I accept that broad recommendation. We will also consider how to achieve alignment of the Forestry Commission with the integrated agency.

The integrated agency will build on the successes and expertise of its constituent parts, such as English Nature’s worldwide reputation on biodiversity matters. It will create a single, stronger authoritative body, accelerating integration of work on biodiversity, natural resource protection and landscape issues in order to improve the environment across rural, urban, marine and coastal England. It will provide independent policy advice and implement policy within the framework of the Government’s approach to sustainable development. I will look for a legislative opportunity as soon as possible to formalise arrangements for the agency, and am pleased the constituent bodies have agreed to work with Defra to make practical progress before that point. This will allow continuity for the organisations, their staff and stakeholders, while preparing for the future.

Countryside Agency

Lord Haskins recommended the abolition of the Countryside Agency. I do not, however, agree that there will be no role for it. There will be a continued need for a much smaller organisation, with a new, well focused role providing independent policy advice to Government from a national perspective on issues affecting people in rural communities, and analysing and reporting on best practice in the delivery of the Government’s rural policies. We also need to build on experience so far on rural proofing and embedding rural objectives in all relevant aspects of government policy.

Regional and local delivery

Lord Haskins recommends devolution of the way in which the Defra family delivers its policies to achieve greater effectiveness and accountability at regional and local level. My Department will therefore be discussing with the Regional Development Agencies, the Government Offices for the Regions, local government, the Rural Affairs Forum and the voluntary sector how to define new mechanisms for delivering services to rural communities, which will be accompanied by strong and effective performance management arrangements.

Much work will be required to develop these proposals into a practical implementation plan, which we hope to publish in the Spring. I want to work in partnership on this with all those concerned to secure real improvements in sustainable development from biodiversity to resource protection. This is not only in the interests of Britain’s rural communities, but in the interests of us all.

Link to  Lord Haskins' recommendations

Link to a printable version of the statement.

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Memorandum of Understanding

English Nature and the British Canoe Union (Canoe England)

Introduction

This Memorandum of Understanding seeks to establish and promote a framework for co-operation between English Nature and the British Canoe Union at all levels. This is based on a common understanding that canoeing relies on, and requires the use of rivers and other open waters that may be of importance for wildlife and nature conservation. It has been drawn up following meetings between the two bodies.

British Canoe Union

The BCU is the governing body for the sport and recreation of canoeing. It is a company limited by guarantee, and works to meet the needs of canoeing from foundation and participation through to performance and excellence. BCU policy and guidance is committed to promoting canoeing in ways compatible with conservation and the practical enjoyment of the aquatic environment. The fundamental need for canoeists to avoid environmental damage and disturbance to wildlife is stressed in the “Code of Conduct”. 

English Nature

English Nature is the Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. In the water environment, it aims to maintain and restore the characteristic biological diversity and natural features of lakes, rivers, estuaries and other wetlands. Some 400 lakes and reservoirs and 60 rivers and canals have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which are subject to a regulatory regime under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Canoeing, wildlife and the water environment

Enjoying the fauna and flora in the water environment is a key part of the canoeing experience. English Nature and the BCU agree that there is unlikely to be any significant impact on or lasting disturbance to wildlife and the water environment from the passage of canoes. English Nature recognises that the BCU’s Environmental Panel promotes due regard for possible impacts. The BCU will continue to actively promote environmental awareness to the canoeing community.

There may be more organised or intensive canoeing activities that will require consultation with English Nature, where an SSSI could be affected. English Nature’s area offices should be the first point of contact: addresses are on the website www.english-nature.org.uk or in local telephone directories.

Liaison

Contacts will be maintained at national level between English Nature and BCU. Meetings will be held as required to exchange views and information and to deal with matters that cannot be resolved satisfactorily at local level.                                                                              

October 2003

Printable version of the Memo of Understanding

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Eamont Cleanup Day
[happened on]
Sunday, September 28^th 2003

Supported by:

The British Canoe Union

The Environment Agency

Eden Rivers Trust

Penrith Angling Association

 

Mark Davies, the Regional Access Officer for Cumbria, organized a ‘clean up’ day on the river Eamont. 

It proved highly successful with a large number of paddlers turning up to help. In total there were 27 paddlers in13 canoes and 3 kayaks, who paddled down the river from Ullswater to Eamont Bridge. Also 2 families walked down the first half-mile of the bank collecting rubbish between the river and a footpath. The Environment Agency were involved, along with the National Park, the Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust. Penrith Anglers had been contacted and said they would help, but interestingly on the day no one turned up!

The day was sunny and pleasant but unfortunately the river was very low. However this did mean it was easy to stop and pick up rubbish as we floated or more realistically bumped our way down stream. A huge amount of plastic was recovered from the river including a number of unusual items – a lawn mower, drinking glasses, a wheelbarrow, a pair of bellows, clothing (fortunately, no body was found in them) an old fiberglass kayak and a huge stand for a grinding wheel. In all some 30 bags of rubbish, which took 2 and a half trailer loads to remove, was collected. In fact the Recreation officer from the Environment Agency Jo Barrett came in her ‘Escort’ to remove the rubbish at the end of the day (thinking it would only be a bag or two), and was somewhat flabbergasted when she saw the amount collected and realized it was not going to fit into her car!!

The Environment Agency is now sorting all the rubbish to recycle what they can.

In all, an excellent day and thanks must go to all who helped, including Howtown Outdoor Centre, who provided a number of canoes for people to use. Special thanks must go to Mark and everyone is now wondering, when and which other river will be given the ‘Treatment’.

Nigel Timmins

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River call information from the Environment Agency (from Nigel Timmins)

It is suggested that a body of knowledge could be built up by paddlers, for paddlers by relating river level reports (available from the EA Rivercall service) to how the river actually was for paddling on the same day.

The numbers available at the moment are;

NE Region - 0906 6197722
NW Region (Derwent, Eden, Kent, Lune, Ribble, Irwell, Goyt, Weaver, Dane) - 09066197733
Midlands Region - 0906 6197744
Welsh Region - 0906 6197755 

Calls cost 60 pence but only last about 30 seconds. The info is complex – we just need to establish what it means.

I tried the North west line Number 09066 197733 – you are asked to press 1 if you want the Eden, Derwent and Kent.

The time and date of recording is given ( the information comes at you quite fast, so having some blank columns similar to below, to write the info down is useful)

On the 27^th May 2003 at 0300 hours the figures were;

              

The river on this day was at a reasonable level and would have given a good trip down the Lazonby to Armathwaite section. The weir at Corby was producing a small wave for surfing on. What I would have called a medium to high water level on a – low, medium, high and flood scale.

 

Again this river was at a good level and would have given a good trip down the Derwent. Probably a medium level.

Kent

0.07 above and falling

Not sure about this river as I did not see it on the day. My instincts would tell me that it was probably ‘lowish’ but the lower section would be paddleable Kendal down to the A590 road bridge.

So send in your reports and we will add them to the site to help everyone!!

 

Nigel Timmins went to the Environment Agency with Mark Davies (the new access officer for Cumbria) on Tuesday 29^th April 03 and saw the new Recreation Officer - Jo Barrett

Any problems on rivers or areas that you think that the Environment Agency could help with, then contact

He has also been to see The Eden Rivers Trust, Education Officer - Rob Coleman 01768 353992

He is keen for paddlers to note pollution incidents or fly tipping on river banks. Paddlers should note the grid reference and content of the rubbish if possible, and report back to Rob. 

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USEFUL LINKS:

Plenty of links and information from Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria County Council. for Local Tourist Information Centres. National Park Rangers.

Maps from www.Multimap.com
None of the email addresses are hyperlinked to defeat web robots sending spam to people.