Date: Wednesday 20th January 2021
Present: Perry Burns (Welland River Trust), Andrew Bowell (Deeping St James Parish Council), Ashley Baxter (Ind. SKDC), Ric Chapman (Deeping St Nicholas Parish Council), Ken Otter (Tallington Parish Council)
Update on previous suggestions:
- Surfleet Newsletter. – nothing has progressed over the Christmas period.
- Rewilding of Tongue End playing field – Ric is liaising with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and is exploring the best native plants for the area
- Cleaning fish ladders in the Deepings – Andrew Bowell asked if this was something that could be done locally if volunteers could be found, training given, and equipment provided. Perry Burns will investigate
- The various projects identified by Andrew Bowell at the previous meeting are still being considered, and one will be picked after considering benefits v costs.
- Cowbit Washes – this is being investigated, but no information is yet available
- Stamford Welland Canal – Ken Otter is working on this project to get the canal reopened. Deeping St James had been identified as a location for a marina.
- Welland Footbridge Project – still proceeding, but nothing further to report.
NEWSLETTER
The idea of a quarterly newsletter was discussed, to inform local Parish Councils, groups, businesses and individuals about the work of the Steering Group. To include contact details for those interested in learning more or getting involved. Andrew Bowell agreed to produce an example for consideration.
LAND OWNERSHIP PROJECT
A presentation was given about this project that has been adopted by the Upper Welland Steering Group, and the Mid Catchment Area Steering Group. The aim is to ascertain via local knowledge, and Land Registry Searches etc who owns various pieces of land in the Welland catchment area. With permission of the landowner this information will be retained to help with future projects to improve biodiversity, as well as access to the river.
WELLAND VALLEY PARTNERSHIP
The Welland Valley Partnership was formed in August 2011 through the collaboration of government organisations, local authorities, private businesses and charities to identify the pressures on the River Welland catchment and take steps to address them together. It is one of more than 100 active catchment partnerships working towards improving the water environment in England.
The Partnership, led by the Welland Rivers Trust, has been instrumental in setting out the new vision for the Welland Valley, and is supporting more than £3 million worth of projects in towns and rural areas within the Welland river basin. Projects so far have included the restoration of a millstream, creating wildlife habitats, helping farmers improve water quality, and creating brown trout spawning areas along the river.
Their vision is that the River Welland, from its source near Market Harborough, Leicestershire, through to the tidal limit at Spalding, Lincolnshire, including all the many tributaries will:
- Be cleaner and healthier
- Continue to provide drainage and management flood risk
- Support more fish, birds and other wildlife
- Meet the needs of drinking water suppliers and businesses
- Provide a more attractive place for people to enjoy
- Be sensitively managed by everyone whose activities affect it
This will be achieved by working with everyone who wants to help, including individuals, land managers, farmers, local communities, businesses, voluntary organisations, local authorities and government agencies.
Partners are:
- Angling Trust
- Anglian Water
- Beds, Cambs & Northants Wildlife Trust
- Environment Agency
- Fens for the Future Partnership
- Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Gnash Fishing Club
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
- Mayfly Fly Fishers
- Market Harborough District Council
- National Farmers Union
- Natural England
- Pond Conservatiin
- Stamford Rivercare
- South Lincs Fens Partnership
- University of Leicester
- Welland and Deepings Internal Drainage Board
- Welland Rivers Trust
- Wild Trout Trust
- Woodland Trust
WELLAND INTERACTION SURVEY
This is a short survey found at : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDZxx_4fzkTA7LWUGVSEWYn3fFeONC91fJ6-F2lxItfI9Klw/viewform
All entrants will be entered into a draw for a £100 voucher to be spent at a local store.
WELLAND MEMORIES PROJECT
Found at: http://www.wellandriverstrust.org.uk/welland-memories-project/
We have inherited the history of the Welland and its tributaries from those who lived and worked in this landscape before us. This history provides us with a sense of place and gives meaning and context to the changing world we see around us. This project aims to create a digital place for the history of our rivers to be shared and passed down to those who are yet to inherit them.
This can include art, literature, music, old photographs, or anything that brings the history of our rivers back to life.
Suitable submissions will be hosted on a website with public accessibility, and perhaps inspire others to explore our rivers for the first time or allow those who are less able to access the river and share in the stories.
If you are interested in taking part, please email memories@wellandriverstrust.org.uk
Cllr Andrew Bowell 