Boaters' Update December 2007

Mooring tender trial – the initial results
BW are announcing the first month’s results from the moorings vacancies site www.bwmooringvacancies.co.uk.

The first 43 vacancies received 89 tenders, of which 33 were successful. Nine of the sites advertised received no tenders, and in just two cases the tenders submitted were below the reserve price. The value of every tender submitted for each of the vacancies can be viewed on the website by searching across completed tenders.
Read more about the results

King of the waterways
Results from the 2007 British Waterways’ wildlife survey show that Britain’s iconic blue bird - the kingfisher - is present and thriving. Over 4,000 sightings were gathered with 300 records specifically of the kingfisher. There has also been an encouraging number of sightings of the kingfisher in urban areas with reports from central London, Leeds, Manchester, Aylesbury, Coventry and Preston. BW ecologists were keen to make sightings of the kingfisher a special focus this year as it is generally accepted as a key indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.

As a result of the survey, a number of kingfisher habitat improvement projects are planned, to help support populations across the inland waterways, including installing kingfisher boxes, posts and tunnels.
Read more about the wildlife survey results

Kingfisher photography competition – winner announced
As part of the wildlife survey campaign, British Waterways launched a competition inviting budding Billy Oddies to capture the kingfisher on camera. Quite a challenge with this species as, renowned for its speed and rather shy nature, the kingfisher is commonly caught on camera as just a flash of blue. However, winner Carlton Gater from Stoke on Trent captured the kingfisher beautifully to win first place in the competition.
View the winning and runner up pictures

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Closure Update
Following the major breach on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal on 16 October, British Waterways is continuing to hold meetings with boat operators, private boaters and other local stakeholders to discuss the options available for reopening the waterway and the effect of its closure.

The seriousness of the breach and where it happened has led BW to carry out a survey of a 16-mile stretch of canal, from Llanover to Talybont. Initial assessments show that works may be needed to secure the canal infrastructure and it is likely the affected stretch of canal will be unavailable for cruising next year.
Read more about the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal update

You can keep up to date with all stoppages and restrictions by visiting:
www.waterscape.com/stoppages

Licence evasion update for October
October was a positive month for tackling licence evasion. A total of 588 enforcement actions were initiated against boat owners who failed to display a licence - the highest number since January. There were 173 licences issued or cases resolved from enforcement action and the highest number of Section 8 notices, 59, were also served in October.

As a result of this enforcement action, a total of £54,838 of licence revenue was collected in October, with a total of £631,077 to date since April.

BW promotes Customer Service Standards
British Waterways has published its people, safety and performance standards as part of a move to introduce measurable customer service standards.

Many of the principles are already practiced by BW staff and by standardising them it sets out for all to see, in an accountable way, what is expected of BW and its people.

Jonathan Bryant, British Waterways’ head of customer service says: “These standards may seem common sense, but until you write them down, agree and communicate them, and then measure against them you have no method of reviewing progress.”

Read more about the customer service standards

HELIX Finally Takes Shape For Falkirk After £25M Big Lottery Fund Award
The HELIX has been awarded £25 million from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme, the only Scottish proposal to receive funding.
When completed The HELIX will see a whole host of waterside improvements including a 1.85 km canal link created linking Grangemouth on the River Forth into Scotland’s canal network, and two 30 metre ‘Kelpie’ horse heads based on the mythical Scots creatures that will function as a boat lift at the entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Read more about the HELIX project

New towpath mowing guidelines
A new version of the Towpath Mowing Guidelines has been published to show the different mowing methods that should be used on towpaths. As different environments sometimes require a modified approach to vegetation management, the new guide caters for these and will work towards a consistent approach to towpath management across the network.

The guide is available at: www.britishwaterways.co.uk/images/Towpath_Mowing_Guidelines.pdf

Wood Wharf consultation
Proposals for transforming Wood Wharf - one of the most significant developments taking place in London over the next decade - was unveiled on 16 November.

The Wood Wharf Limited Partnership, of which British Waterways is a part, has worked with Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, and landscape designers Martha Schwartz Partners to develop a masterplan for the seven hectare site, immediately adjacent to Canary Wharf.
On top of the 14,000 potential new homes, five million square feet of commercial floor space and a range of retail, recreational and community facilities, a new canal and additional moorings are in the pipeline too as part of the enhanced access to the waterfront.

Read more about the Wood Wharf Proposals

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