Issue 17 Autumn 2015 SevernTidings Working in partnership for the future of the

www.severnestuary.net Inside... Standing An Estuary Round Up Tidal Lagoon Power Tidal Fence Technology on Common Severn Vision Project Welsh National Marine Plan Channel Severn Ground Estuary Energy Group Severn Estuary Strategy Severn Estuary Forum A Forgotten Landscape Severnside Wetlands Nature Improvement Area English Coast Path Coast Path The Living Coast Programme Wales Coastal Directory WWF: ReviewPROOF of Terrestrial Planning Policies Funding Partners Update Explore the Severn

© Azmath Jaleel Welcome Showcasing the Severn

John Harrison, As the new Severn Estuary Partnership and ASERA Officer, I am delighted to write the editorial Severn Estuary for the 17th issue of Severn Tidings. The key theme throughout this edition is celebrating the Partnership Chair diverse network of partnerships and the new projects developing as a result. At such an exciting Welcome to the 2015 and challenging time in coastal and marine management, the Partnership has continued to edition of Severn work hard to keep you informed of these latest estuary projects and developments, policy Tidings – the Severn Estuary Partnership’s updates and proposals as they emerge. newsletter which Since coming into post in March 2015, I have The Severn Estuary Partnership hosted the brings together news thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the wide 2014 Severn Estuary Forum in . It was from around the estuary and from the variety of stakeholders of the Severn Estuary. extremely well supported by our sponsors Partnership’s supporters. This has involved providing secretariat support BMAPA, ABP Ports, MarineSpace and Cardiff to the pan-estuary groups SECG, ASERA and University. It proved a successful day which As the newly appointed chair of the SEP I BCSEG - see the “Estuary Round Up” page examined and discussed the opportunities and would first wish to thank our former chair, opposite to find out what these groups have challenges for our estuary, focussing on climate George Ashworth, for his outstanding been up to! We have also been busy working change, estuary planning, energy generation commitment and work of the past 15 years on the 2015 Wales Coastal Directory, mapping and some specific local issues. which had been instrumental in the success coastal/marine networks and forums across of the partnership. I have a deep personal Wales to aid with their interest about the future of SEP having marine planning information dissemination always lived and worked close to the estuary (page 10). as well as enjoying a range of activities Reviewing and updating the 2001 Severn which the estuary has to offer. Estuary Strategy has been a key priority for the In this edition we highlight a number Partnership over the past 6 months. We have of exciting new initiatives developed begun to engage with key stakeholders and policy makers from a wide range of sectors. by a range of partnerships as well as The revised 2015/16 Strategy will provide a proposals for energy generation, nature framework to inform more integrated policy improvement areas and the Severn Estuary development, plans and strategies. So far, we The Partnership is also pleased to have Strategy development. We also want to have hosted two workshops with a wide range welcomed summer placement students share with you some of the finest coastal of sectors to gain input into this important Kathryn Dawson, Shaun Williams and Zahra walks to appreciate the estuary’s natural process. Open to pages 6 and 7 to find out Fatima. Kathryn has been updating and and archaeological heritage. Sharing more. developing the State of the Severn Estuary information is essential to improving our Report (SOSER) webpages, creating a new The State of the Severn Estuary Report (SOSER) section on Flooding and Coastal Erosion collective understanding of the estuary to has continued to develop, updated with the Risk Management, in partnership with the benefit industries, communities and our latest data from a wide range of themes such Environment Agency. This will be available soon! environment. This is a key aspect of SEP’s as ports and shipping, marine aggregates Shaun and Zahra have been working hard on role, facilitating effective communication and bathing waters. The latest information is SEP stakeholder communications, assisting with and knowledge transfer to ensure provided in an easily accessible format and can the organisation of the Severn Estuary Forum, sustainable development of the estuary. be found within the ‘Estuary’ section of the SEP our monthly E-news and annual Severn Tidings. website. The Severn Estuary Partnership has been Finally, make sure you keep abreast of all of the busy this year working towards reviewing On 28th May, the Partnership held its annual Partnership’s activities, estuary news, policy and updating the 2001 Severn Estuary Joint Estuary Day in Newport, which brought updates, consultations and upcoming events Strategy, in addition to collaborating with together stakeholders from a range of estuary by subscribing to our monthly e-news (email: various estuary stakeholders on a wide groups, including ASERA, BCSEG and SECG. [email protected]). Please get in touch if you range of projects to ensure the sustainable The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) meeting wish to contribute any information or relevant management of the Severn Estuary. Full was next, with an interesting presentation articles. from Tidal Lagoon Power, stimulating much details of these projects are highlighted discussion around the range of proposals within I do hope you enjoy this edition of Severn within this edition. the estuary. Thank you to all of those who Tidings and I look forward to welcoming you to Bristol for the 2015 Forum in September! Our work on the Severn Estuary would not attended and made it such an informative and be possible without the dedicated support thought-provoking day. Lucy Taylor of our partners.PROOF In these times of resource Severn Estuary Partnership Officer challenges I truly believe the benefits of partnership working come to the fore. I look forward to working with all those who have an interest in the estuary and welcome your Our Contributors continued support. At the Severn Estuary Partnership, our Natural England, , key role is to keep all of our stakeholders Bristol City Council, County informed of project developments and Council, Severn Estuary Coastal Group, proposals that are happening within, or Association of Severn Estuary Relevant will have an impact on, the Severn Estuary. Authorities, Bristol Channel Standing In this edition we are delighted to have Environment Group and Cardiff University. contributions and viewpoints from a wide range of estuary groups and developers: We would be interested to hear your views on the wide range of topics featured in this Kepler Energy, Tidal Lagoon Power, Severn edition, particularly given the considerable Vision, Wildlife Trust, Bristol complexity and sensitivity that surrounds Channel and Severn Estuary Energy Group, some of the key estuary issues and The Welsh Government, West of England opportunities. Please get in touch with the The Severn Estuary Partnership with associates from Nature Partnership, A Forgotten Landscape, Partnership by emailing [email protected] Cardiff University at Purton Hulks © Azmath Jaleel

2 An Estuary Round Up The Association of Severn Estuary Relevant Authorities (ASERA) – Relaunch of the ASERA Management Scheme! ASERA is made up of the statutory Relevant Authority Action Plans by the AGM in bait digging and angling in the Severn Estuary organisations around the Severn November 2016. As part of this relaunch, the EMS will also be produced over the next year. Estuary that collectively manage Association has made considerable progress Short codes of conduct and guidelines will renewing and updating the website, aiming to be produced for these (recreational boating, their activities on the Severn Estuary make it much more user-friendly and accessible. coastal access and bait digging and angling) to European Marine Site (EMS). The This will be available shortly! assist recreational estuary-users with carrying Severn Estuary EMS incorporates the out their activities in a sustainable manner. marine areas of both the Special Area We have been working hard to complete the Recreational Boating in the Severn Estuary Looking forward, the Management Scheme of Conservation (SAC) and Special study over the past few months. This report and Relevant Authority Action Plans will be Protection Area (SPA), protected under will go out to a focused consultation group by revised to reflect the new data and information the EC Habitats and Birds Directives. the end of September, following which it will collated, changes in recreational activity and be finalised and made available on the ASERA emerging challenges that face the estuary. ASERA has been relaunched this year with a website. To follow, summary reports on both new effort and energy to update the Severn Lucy Taylor, ASERA Officer land-based recreation (coastal access) and Estuary Management Scheme and associated Bristol Channel Standing Environment Group (BCSEG)

This multi-agency group, tasked with providing BCSEG is part of a UK-wide network of The group is currently scoping a new project public health and environmental advice during Environment Groups which was set up as a to assess the risk of Severn Estuary cargoes – a maritime incident, continues to improve its result of some major incidents during the clearly, this will assist the group’s effectiveness preparedness and to build links with other 1990s involving large spills of crude oil. As a in responding to an incident. stakeholders such as ports and Local Authorities consequence, the greater part of maritime The BCSEG website provides a general both sides of the estuary. incident response planning by such groups description of the Group, but for more detailed has historically been related to dealing with oil The group was involved in a major exercise at information contact the Severn Estuary spills. However, on the Severn Estuary, whilst all the end of 2014 held at the Port of Bristol that Partnership at: [email protected] vessels carry fuel oil and some of the estuary tested the group’s response to a major oil spill. ports handle various oil derivatives, ports also Rhys Morgan, Natural Resource Planner (Marine) This worked well, and there were some useful handle a considerable variety of other cargo Natural Resources Wales lessons resulting in some minor amendments types – some of which may be potentially to the group’s Activation Plan which is currently hazardous if released into the environment. being updated. Severn Estuary Coastal Group (SECG)

The Severn Estuary Coastal Group (SECG) meets details will be released in the Severn Estuary Severn Estuary on a quarterly basis, with three meetings having Partnership E-news (email: Severn@cardiff. SMP2 Action taken place so far this year. The group has been ac.uk to subscribe). Plans. This busy engaging with key authorities and estuary will be carried Discussion of the group has also focused groups, as well as dealing with emerging out by the around the latest tidal lagoon proposals in the proposals and issues that face the estuary. Severn Estuary estuary and the group has now been invited to Partnership, who The group last met on 2nd September and participate in the Technical Coastal Processes provide the secretariat services for the Group. the Shoreline Management Plan 2, the Severn Topic Group for the Cardiff and Newport lagoons. Estuary Strategy,PROOF tidal lagoon proposals The latest meeting of this Topic Group was held Further information regarding the activities and coastal monitoring were the key topics on 23rd September and the Group met to discuss of the Severn Estuary Coastal Group and the discussed. survey methodologies, data analysis and the progress of the SMP2 can be found on the SECG assessment of effects to be undertaken for the website. A new-look website, with updated In March 2015, the group officially became EIA, HRA and WFD assessment for the project. webpages and features will also be available a Strategic Group. In line with Defra soon! requirements, it will report annually to the Looking forward, the group has agreed to Environment Agency. Given the group’s cross- undertake a further review and update of the border nature, the group will also work with and report to Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government. There has been progress on the IROPI (Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest) situation for the SMP2. The Welsh Minister signed off the IROPI decision in December 2014. Although it still remains to receive approval from the Environment Agency (England), it is hoped that the Director of Operations will be able to sign this off by October/November 2015. Once signed off,

Steart Marshes © WWT 3 INDUSTRY VIEWPOINTS TIDAL ENERGY Consent for the World’s First Tidal Lagoon Power Plant Opens a New Door in Global Effort to Address Climate Change by Graham Hillier, Tidal Lagoon Power Limited “It’s a fact that Wales led the way providing With the Development Consent Order having proceed. But they have a pilot project to guide the fuel for the industrial revolution. We are now been granted for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, them and a blossoming scientific, technical and now entering the era of the climate change we have the potential to help transform our engineering network to support them. revolution – de-carbonising our world in time to carbon-based industrial economy and the UK’s We have some further permissions to secure avoid two degrees of global warming. Wales can energy mix, through the development of this for Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and we must now lead this next revolution. sustainable, low-carbon energy infrastructure. successfully conclude energy price negotiations In the run up to the Paris talks on a global We see it as a game-changer, a scalable with UK Government, but the vision is now climate change deal, a deal to steer global blueprint, paving the way for a fleet of lagoons closer to reality than ever before and our emissions from 50bn tonnes CO2 down to that can work in harmony with nature to help delivery team is preparing to start on site and

40bn tonnes CO2 by 2030 and 20bn tonnes by secure the nation’s electricity for generations to start delivering for Swansea Bay.” 2050, the UK and especially Wales has opened come. The tidal lagoons that follow – at Cardiff, Graham Hillier, Managing Director of a new door to help answer one of the greatest at Newport, elsewhere in the UK and overseas Development Services, Tidal Lagoon Power challenges of our age. – must each make their own compelling Limited environmental, social and economic case to Extracting Tidal Power in the Bristol Channel: A Different Approach by Peter Dixon, Kepler Energy Introduction What’s Different? Oldfield and Malcom McCulloch of THAWTs needs to be stretched developed this further - in order to across the tidal flow as a “tidal “The Bristol Channel is well Previously, it seemed obvious that ‘capture’ the maximum amount fence”. It is envisaged that, in the known to have huge potential for tidal turbines should be like wind of tidal flow, they determined that right location, these fences could extracting tidal energy with many turbines but stronger. But there the rotor of the turbine should be 10 to 15 kilometres long, with proposals for extracting this power is a major difference between the be transverse and horizontal. peak power outputs of 600+MW. over the last 80 years or so. Most of underwater environment and air Wind turbines can be extended This is what the view from these involve a barrier or barrage, –a “free surface” causes physics to by increasing the diameter of underwater might be: but few envisage the use of free be subtly different. The key insight the rotor, within limits, but stream tidal turbines, with good is that, in circumstances where conventional tidal turbines are reason – the relative shallowness the size of the machine’s rotor is limited in diameter by the depth of the Channel and the somewhat large relative to the depth of the of water. Being able to ‘stretch’ low tidal velocities make the use of water, the rotor creates an effect the rotor horizontally is a great conventionalPROOF turbines uneconomic. like a weir, and can extract energy advantage. However Kepler Energy is now from the change in depth over the exploiting some new ideas weir. In other words, the turbines The Professors came up with the developed by Oxford University, extract potential as well as kinetic catchy (!) acronym of THAWT for To investigate the potential power which enable the generation of energy. the Transverse Horizontal Axis output of such tidal fences in the electricity in these conditions. Water Turbine. Whilst the shape is Bristol Channel, physical testing Professors Guy Houlsby, Martin not novel, there is a problem with of scale prototypes and detailed making a structure strong enough modelling of the Bristol Channel to withstand the very large forces has been undertaken by Oxford as involved in generating vary large part of the ETI Perawat project and quantities of power. The solution is by Kepler Energy.” to make the entire rotor structure a three dimensional stressed truss – and this patented solution permits the construction of rotors of considerable size, enough to generate over 2MW each at tidal velocities of about 4 knots. To maximise power output, a chain

4 VIEWPOINTS & UPDATES Severn Vision Project Update by Esther Collis, Severn Vision Project This project sets out an ambitious Vision for estuary’s natural assets, alongside the potential Trust, National Trust, Salmon and Trout the future of the estuary and the communities for restoring some of the intertidal areas that Association and the Campaign to Protect Rural that depend upon it. The Vision does not seek to have been lost over the centuries (a ‘Spatial England. return the Severn to some prehistoric, pristine Decision Support Toolkit’). This information will environment – but rather to unlock its potential be made available as a database and a series of as an even greater natural and economic maps illustrating what is currently known of the asset. The Vision partners, an alliance of distribution of each asset, and they would like groups representing conservation, wildlife and this to be used as a starting point to help better landscape interests, have developed the Severn plan future activities within the estuary. Vision as a contribution to what they hope The project partnership will be actively will be an integrated plan for the estuary - one engaging with a range of stakeholders over the which protects and enhances the ecosystem coming months, seeking comment on the Vision as a whole, whilst informing and guiding before its launch in the New Year. sustainable use of its natural resources for future generations. For the first time, the Vision The Severn Vision Project is a partnership partners have pulled together and mapped project between the Wildfowl and Wetlands WWT Slimbridge © Azmath Jaleel all of the readily available information on the Trust, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, Severn Rivers Developing the First Welsh National Marine Plan by Paula Whitfield, Marine Policy Branch, Welsh Government “The introduction of the first Welsh Government website: lle. • general policies and sector Before it progresses to formal Welsh National Marine Plan is a gov.wales/apps/marineportal specific policies. consultation next year, the Marine big step for Wales. Welsh seas are Plan content will be refined in There has been continued and Supporting maps will also be becoming increasingly crowded. the light of comments received. valuable engagement with added. The sectors currently As we recognise the importance of To help us, there will be public many different people in the addressed include: our marine resources we need to information sessions in November development of the draft WNMP manage them in a more integrated • Aquaculture, –details will be on the marine from the beginning and I thank all and planned way to ensure their planning pages shortly. Please join those who have contributed so far. • Aggregates, long-term sustainability. or send us your views. We would We will share the draft as widely • Defence, really welcome your input! The Wales Marine Evidence Report, as possible to ensure that when • Dredging and Disposal, developed from the Strategic it becomes operational it will be Welsh Government is working with Scoping Exercise, has brought beneficial for all who use and enjoy • Energy – Oil and Gas, MMO and UK Government on the together relevant marine evidence our seas. • Energy – Renewable, details of the cross border issues.” to inform the plan. The Marine The draft Marine Plan contains: • Fisheries, Planning Evidence Portal, which • Subsea Cabling, shows the distribution of human • the plan’s vision and activities and natural resources objectives, • Surface Water Treatment, in Welsh seas, is available on the • a detailed introduction, • as well as Tourism and Marine Planning pages of the Recreation. Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary Energy Group by SamuelPROOF Bryan, Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary Energy Group The recent decision to grant a Development while mitigating and reducing negative impacts University or NGO partnerships. Instead a key Consent Order to Tidal Lagoon Power for a and risks. role will be to engage with and support these 240MW capacity tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay wider partnerships. In response to this, Local Authorities are is a significant first step towards realising the proposing to establish the Bristol Channel and For more information about the Energy Group considerable energy resource of the Bristol Severn Estuary Energy Group (Energy Group) to please contact: [email protected] Channel. provide a co-ordinated and managed approach Tidal Lagoon Power’s progress potentially to promote, explore and, where appropriate, heralds a new phase in the development of the enable the development of opportunities for tidal energy resource in the Bristol Channel, tidal energy generation within the Bristol with exploration of other tidal lagoon and Channel and Severn Estuary. tidal stream options already underway. It Membership of the group will be open to all is essential that these future tidal energy Local Authorities in England and Wales that projects are considered holistically, as part of border the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel an overall strategy for the Bristol Channel and and, where appropriate to other national and Severn Estuary. In this way, the cumulative regional bodies. The Energy Group will not impacts and interdependencies of this complex duplicate existing stakeholder and industry environmental, social and economic system partnerships such as the Severn Estuary can be clearly understood, maximising the The Severn Crossing © Azmath Jaleel Partnership, South West Marine Energy Park, significant, potential benefits of energy projects 5 Severn Estuary Strategy

The Partnership is in the process of reviewing and updating the The revised and streamlined 2015/16 Strategy will provide a framework 2001 Severn Estuary Strategy. Whilst the 2001 Strategy aimed to to inform more coordinated policy development, practices and strategies “bring together all those involved in the development, management for the estuary. As marine planning develops in both England and Wales, and use of the estuary within a framework which encourages the the Strategy’s development should help to ensure an integrated approach integration of their interests and responsibilities to achieve common for the Severn Estuary Region. The Strategy should also provide context to inform and support decision making for a wide range of proposed estuary objective”, this is now being reviewed in the context of new and developments, including those related to maritime uses, minerals and emerging policies and developments in the marine and coastal marine renewable energy. A sub-group of the SEP Management Group has sector. been set up to help guide and inform the development of the Strategy.

10th Severn Estuary Forum: Celebrating a Decade of Debate! 2006 Clevedon 2007 Clevedon

Here are some of the highlights of the Severn EstuaryPROOF Forum across the past decade. A big thank “Changing Times and Tides: “Working Together” you to our sponsors, The Future of the Severn Estuary” funding partners and stakeholders for sharing “Working Together for the Future” “Exploring our Estuary” 10 years of debate, learning and networking across the estuary! Here’s to the next 10 years!

2011 Cardiff 2012 Bristol 6 Stakeholder Engagement We have been busy developing the new Our New Vision for the Strategy and are working with key stakeholders and policy makers. So far, we have hosted two Severn Estuary workshops with a wide range of sectors to gain input: “The Severn Estuary Strategy champions an integrated approach to the sustainable use and enjoyment of the Severn Estuary” • The Strategy Vision (May): This workshop not only highlighted the values, importance and key concerns within the Severn Estuary, but also gained consensus, What Will Our New Strategy Include? support and debate on the role of a revised • A new Vision. Strategy for the Severn Estuary. • High-level principles – Drafts have been devised from reviewing the UK High Level Marine • The Way Forward (September): This Objectives set out in the Marine Policy Statement, other UK Marine Plans, the EU ICZM workshop discussed the way forward for principles and other Coastal Partnership Strategies, like the Dorset Coast Strategy (2011). the Strategy. A set of high-level principles The high-level principles are being reviewed following the workshop. were introduced and debated and these were then cross-referenced against the • Roadmap to existing policy and guidance – a concise overview of key policies, plans and values of the estuary identified during strategies (international – local) relevant to the estuary – all in a clear and accessible the May workshop. The workshop also format – watch this space! included a stocktake of existing policies, strategies and plans relevant to the What’s Next? estuary’s management. The purpose of this was to help identify relevant policy Our next step is to ensure we have engaged with the widest range of stakeholder groups areas for later engagement and to create as possible. As part of this we will be holding various workshops over the next few months a “road map” to existing policies and to promote the Strategy’s use and adoption, as well as to ensure that the Strategy reflects guidance. the views of the wider Severn Estuary stakeholder community. We will continue to keep you informed as the Strategy develops by our SEP e-news which is released at the end of each month.

If you would like to hear more information on the update of the Strategy or would like to register an interest in being involved in its development, please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

10th Severn Estuary Forum: Celebrating a Decade of Debate! 2008PROOF Penarth 2009 2010 Bristol

“Renewable Energy and ‘Secrets of the Severn’” “Management of the Upper Estuary” “Celebrating our Diversity”

“Celebrating 10 Years: “A Sustainable Severn Estuary” “Our Estuary: Challenges and Opportunities” A Retrospective View & Future Challenges”

2013 Gloucester 2014 Cardiff 2015 Bristol 7 VIEWPOINTS & UPDATES Restoring the Heritage of the Lower Severn Vale Levels by Miriam Woolnough, AFL Project Manager

A Forgotten Landscape (AFL) is an exciting new community groups, local businesses and Heritage Lottery funded Landscape Partnership partners, AFL runs until the end of 2018. Scheme to explore, restore, conserve and Project partners are enhance the heritage of the Lower Severn Vale Council (lead partner), Avon Wildlife Levels. Over the next three and a half years Trust, Bristol City Council, Bristol Regional AFL will recruit and train a small army of local Environmental Records Centre, Environment volunteers to undertake around 30 natural and Agency, Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group cultural heritage projects. Southwest, Natural England, RSPB, TCV, University of the West of England, and a The Lower Severn Vale Levels, the low-lying community representative. floodplain on the eastern shore of the , stretch from the industrial estates at For more information: north to the rural border between www.aforgottenlandscape.org.uk or contact the South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire. team at [email protected]. Despite its importance, the area has been largely left out of large scale conservation and voles, great crested newts and the estuary’s heritage initiatives. host of birds. Likewise, people can explore the AFL aims to improve habitats for wildlife, area’s fascinating and lively history, uncovering explore the area’s history and celebrate its both the archaeological remains buried beneath heritage. People will get a chance to discover the soil and the many tales of how people and the area’s wide range of nationally and the landscape shape each other. internationally important species such as water Working with schools, landowners, individuals, The AFL Team © Miriam Woolnough

Nature Improvement Area Identified Along the Severn by Shelly Dewhurst, West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) The West of England Nature Partnership restore and reconnect these habitats, creating better integrate wildlife habitats with human (WENP) have identified part of the Severn and large-scale ecological networks, as advocated activity, and take a more strategic and joined up adjacent land as a ‘Nature Improvement Area’ by Sir John Lawton in ‘Making Space for Nature’ approach on how the land is used and shared, (NIA), in recognition of the nationally and (2012). There are also significant opportunities now and in the future, as reflected in the vision internationally important species and habitats to connect people with nature and inspire them “to recognise Severnside Wetlands NIA as a it supports. Nature Improvement Areas are through an enhanced experience of the natural vibrant, nature-rich landscape, where people, large, discrete areas that take a landscape- world by improving access and recreational business and wildlife thrive”. scale approachPROOF to conservation, where a local opportunities, such as the planned coastal path. For more information about the Severnside partnership develops a shared vision for the Wetlands Nature Improvement Area, please natural environment. visit: http://www.wenp.org.uk/iconic-wildlife- The Nature Improvement Area covers the land landscapes-working-group/ directly adjacent to the estuary, from the Lower Severn Vale in South Gloucestershire, through Avonmouth, and including the Levels and Moors. The area is predominantly low-lying agricultural land characterised by the presence of water through its vast river, rhyne and ditch network. It contains a mosaic of important habitats including coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, saltmarsh, woodland and traditional orchards, which are rich in The success of the Nature Improvement Area wildlife, supporting invertebrates, amphibians, will be reliant on creating new partnerships otters, water voles, wildfowl and wading birds. with landowners, business and NGOs, to better © The West of England Partnership understand how the area can be restored and Across the area there exists an opportunity to reconnected on a landscape scale. The aim is to

8 VIEWPOINTS & UPDATES The Living Coast Programme by Ben Bryant, Coastal Wildlife Project Officer, Somerset Wildlife Trust

2015 saw the launch of Somerset Wildlife inspired art exhibition, family rock pool Trust’s Living Coast Programme. The rambles, data collecting “Shoresearch” programme focuses on linking local events, a wildlife photography competition communities, industry, business and and much more. The reaction from the tourism sectors in order to raise the profile public has been brilliant and there has of the wealth of natural assets found been a great interest in what we’re doing along our coast, promote the incredible and a lot of support for the continuation importance, beauty and diversity of the and development of the work. © Somerset Wildlife Trust coast, and to highlight the benefits that In the next few months we will also work the natural world brings to our health and with The Somerset Environmental Records well-being. Centre (SERC) to survey the Somerset The Living Coast Programme is part of The Coast. Through carrying out intertidal Wildlife Trust’s Living Seas vision for the survey work we hope to establish a future of the UK’s seas, from the depth of detailed record of exactly what is on our the ocean to the coastal shallows. coastline. We have had a hugely positive start to our We’d like to develop our Living Coast coastal work having appointed our first programme with as many communities, ever Coastal Wildlife Project Officer to partners and organisations as possible. develop and deliver the programme. If you are interested in working with us please contact me at: ben.bryant@ To date we’ve run a large number of public somersetwildlife.org engagement events including wildlife boat trips around Bridgwater Bay, a coast © Somerset Wildlife Trust England Coast – Path from Discover the Shape of to Brean a Nation by Sarah Tindal, Regional Senior Recreation and by Colin Leppard, Natural England Partnerships Officer, Natural Resources Wales Following approval for the England location and relative importance The 870 mile long ‘all’ Wales Coast Habitats Regulations due to the Coast Path route from Brean of high-tide wintering bird roosts Path, which follows the Severn on international importance of the to Minehead in 2014, Natural between Aust and Brean, due for its way from the southern start bird population. As a result, the / finish in , reached its path sometimes diverts inland, England representatives are in completion early in 2016. Contact third birthday in May 2015. It or is screened from the coast to discussion with land managers Colin Leppard for more information has already proved to be a great prevent disturbance to feeding or about the next stage of this – colin.leppard@naturalengland. success, with (in 2012-13) 2.82 nesting birds. national project,PROOF from Brean to the org.uk million visitors adding £31.7 Communicating the reasons Severn Bridge at Aust. million of additional demand a England Coast Path proposals behind these diversions or year to the Welsh economy. This new stretch of path will link for the Aust to Brean stretch restrictions is crucial to responsible the South West Coast Path and the are expected to be published The path has received extensive use of the path. Monmouthshire Wales Coast Path, creating over in 2016 – the Natural England national and international Council have specially designed 2600km of continuous walking team welcome views and recognition. When linked with signs with positive messages from Dorset to . involvement from interested the Offa’s Dyke National trail, it is about these issues which have possible to circumnavigate Wales been well received and now copied parties – westcoastalaccess@ Alongside the England Coast Path on foot – a world first, prompting elsewhere on the path. naturalengland.org.uk will be new access rights to areas Lonely Planet travel guides to Welsh Government & Natural declare the Welsh Coast the such as beaches and cliffs where For more information about Resources Wales together have number one region in the world to appropriate. progress on the national coast path committed £4.5 million of funding elsewhere in England visit www. visit in 2012. Conservation measures will be between 2015-20 to the path. In gov.uk and search for ‘England addition to the local authority’s built into the proposals where The challenges of the Severn Coast Path’. and future funding contributions, this will ensure that necessary so that the world class the Wales Coast Path can continue Before opening, the Severn wildlife of the Severn Estuary is to be improved and be effectively section was the subject of a protected. Natural England will maintained for the benefit of all. comprehensive ‘Appropriate shortly embark on the second For more information, please visit Assessment’ under the EC stage of research to establish the www.walescoastpath.gov.uk 9 SEVERN ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP PROJECT UPDATES

Launch of the 2015 Wales Coastal Directory The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) are pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 Wales Coastal Directory (WCD) which has been commissioned by Welsh Government: Marine and Fisheries Division. SEP and PCF undertook a review of Wales’ coastal and marine networks and forums to aid Welsh Government with dissemination of information related to the Welsh National Marine Plan (WNMP). The aim of the 2015 WCD project was to update the 2013 Wales Coastal Directory and develop it to include the networks of the neighbouring regions to the WNMP. The project organisation is summarised data will be updated submitted responses to the Are there any gaps of also involved creating a here and available for annually over the next 2015 survey - your time and networks or forums with a spatial layer on the Welsh public access. three years. The 2016 input have been greatly marine/coastal interest? If update will be commencing appreciated! Have you or so, we’d like to hear from Government’s Marine GIS To ensure forums and in the later months of 2015. your organisation used you: [email protected] planning portal (http:// networks are fully involved the 2015 Wales Coastal lle.wales.gov.uk/apps/ and engaged throughout We would like to give Directory? Did you find it marineportal/). Key the marine planning thanks to all of the useful or helpful? information about each process, the 2015 baseline forums and networks who

Evaluation of Terrestrial Planning Documents for the Welsh National Marine Plan - Project for WWF

WWF have commissioned SEP/Cardiff University underway. Interviews with a selection of Following the completion of the study for WWF, to evaluate terrestrial planning documents Chief Planning Officers or their deputies will we will undertake a separate analysis of all for the areas surrounding the Welsh National also allow consideration of the extent to the plans around the Severn Estuary/Bristol Marine Plan (WNMP).PROOF The project is identifying which each Local Planning Authority’s broader Channel to feed into the development of the policies of ‘marine relevance’ in the terrestrial portfolio of supporting documentation for the new Severn Estuary Strategy. We will share the plans (development plans, AONB/national park plans considers coastal and marine aspects. results of this additional study with you via the plans, shoreline management plans and river Discussions will also explore the extent to SEP website. basin management plans) in the context of the which the identified ‘coastal/marine’ policies are developing Welsh National Marine Plan. Plans used and interpreted in decision-making. in the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel are So far, the review has revealed a distinct being reviewed as part of this process. coastal element in most plans abutting the The first phase of the project, a desk-top study, WNMP, with many including specific ‘coastal’ is now complete. This has identified policies policies relating to conditions or restrictions specifically related to the UK Government for new development, in line with government and Devolved Administration’s High Level guidance. However, although the study Marine Objectives (Achieving a Sustainable showed most plans to have high regard to Marine Economy; Ensuring a Strong, Healthy aspects of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk and Just Society; Living within Environmental Management, not so many include specific Limits; Promoting Good Governance; Using reference to Shoreline Management Plans in Sound Science Responsibly). Phase Two, a supporting text for policies (33% of adopted validation of the findings of the desk-study plans; 60% of emerging plans). with Local Planning Authorities is now

10 FUNDING PARTNERS The Severn Estuary Partnership is very grateful to all of our funding partners who help make our work possible. We value your continued support and look forward to working with you in the future!

Bristol City Council The MetroBus transport scheme has begun Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy, we construction and will provide a new express are working closely with the Environment In the year of Bristol bus service for the West of England region, Agency, who will be providing the project being the European including a route across and along the River management for the scheme. In order to Green Capital, Bristol Avon, which has provided many enjoyable manage the tidal flood risk posed to the city City Council are busy engineering challenges! centre now and in the future, we continue to working on a number progress the Avon Tidal Flood Risk Management We continue to work closely with the of schemes and Strategy, again in close partnership with the Local Enterprise Partnership and South initiatives to improve Environment Agency. For further information Gloucestershire Council to deliver flood the resilience of the on the above projects, please contact patrick. mitigation to Avonmouth and Severnside. As city and promote sustainable growth of the [email protected] region. this scheme is helping to deliver the Severn

Gloucestershire County Council A few policies are still saved from the 2004 the changes made to local transport funding adopted WLP. provided by the Department for Transport. The County Council’s review of its Local Transport With regard to minerals the saved policies of Plan is ongoing. A final 12 week public the 2003 adopted Minerals Local Plan (MLP) consultation will commence between the 16th still form the minerals policy framework Minerals and Waste Planning November and the 5th February 2016. The for determining planning applications. A adopted plan is expected in spring 2016. Gloucestershire County Council is the statutory replacement plan is in preparation. The last planning authority for determining planning consultation which included site options Flood Risk Management applications relating to minerals and waste was in the summer of 2014. The next stage development. As such, the authority is also anticipated for late 2015/early 2016 will be a Gloucestershire County Council is the Lead responsible for setting out the spatial vision, draft version of the MLP. Local Flood Authority (LLFA) as defined in the strategic objectives and core policies for Flood and Water Management Act 2010. From managing Gloucestershire’s mineral resources Local Transport Plan 15th April 2015 the government made the LLFA a statutory consultee to the planning and waste development over next 15 years. The Gloucestershire’s Local Transport Plan (LTP) process for advice on surface water and flood County Council has relatively recently adopted outlines the County Council’s priorities for risk management relating to major planning a Waste Core Strategy (WCS) – in November transport delivery between 2015 and 2031. The applications. Local Planning Authorities are now 2012. This document was considered against document builds on the previous LTP adopted referring all major applications to the County the requirements of National Planning in 2011 to reflect the emerging evidence Council for this advice, this will apply to over 300 Policy Framework (NPPF) and replaces a base developed through the LTP plan making developments per year and it is expected that significant proportion of the former adopted process, the priorities of the Gloucestershire this will have a significant impact on the future Gloucestershire Waste Local Plan (2004). Local Enterprise Partnership (G-First LEP) and management and mitigation of flood risk.

Natural England Natural England ran several evidence projects marine impacts of the Hinkley C new nuclear around the estuary last year, including a rare power station – which was granted consent in Over the last year, Natural plant survey, a project to identify and map March 2013. England worked with bird roosts and a habitat survey in the Rivers Over the last few months we have been Natural Resources Wales to Severn and Teme to identify spawning grounds involved, alongside our Natural Resource publish a Site Improvement for migratory fish. These projects contribute to Wales and Environment Agency colleagues, in Plan (SIP) for the Severn our evidence base and also to future condition pre-application discussions with Tidal Lagoon Estuary Special Area of assessments. Conservation and Special Power (TLP); regarding its proposed tidal PROOFNatural England continues to work closely lagoon project in Cardiff Bay. Currently our Protection Area, as part of the IPENS project. The SIP has prioritised issues, identified the with the Environment Agency, Natural advice is focussed on the necessary evidence/ features they affect and proposed measures to Resources Wales and the Marine Management data requirements for a Habitats Regulations address these issues. Organisation in advising EDF Energy on the Assessment and Water Framework Directive design specifics of agreed mitigation for the Assessment of the proposed scheme.

The Severn Estuary Partnership is also funded by Cardiff City Council, Environment Agency, Forest of Dean District Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Natural Resources Wales, Newport City Council and Somerset County Council.

11 EXPLORE THE SEVERN Swanbridge to Lavernock Point Transport yourself across an interesting and easier route past the caravan park. SEP Picture Gallery of the walk: bit.ly/1iaxEAU varied coastal landscape, steeped in a long and Standing sentinel on the headland overlooking SEP Google Map of the walk: bit.ly/1JPYpRO fascinating history: the bay is an old lookout post that signals the Gwilym Owen, Severn Estuary Partnership This is a linear coastal walk (approximately 4 beginning of Lavernock Fort and its extensive miles return) following a portion of the Wales ruined complex of WWII gun batteries, as well Take care not to disturb wildlife; especially birds Coast Path, with a free car park and pub at as the Lavernock Point Nature Reserve. It was on the Estuary by ensuring dogs are kept on either end. Space dictates a brief description here recently, at the foot of the cliffs that an leads. here – follow the links at the end for a photo important dinosaur fossil was sensationally gallery, a more detailed description and a map! found after the early 2014 storms.

Starting opposite Sully Island, outside the Following the path inland takes you through popular Captain’s Wife pub, take time to really a wooded area marking the boundary of the appreciate the fantastic views of the Severn nature reserve with the Marconi Holiday Village, Estuary, with three islands in view (also Flat and location of the other pub on the walk, the Holm and Steep Holm, guessing which is Marconi Inn. which!) and the headland of Brean Down, This takes you onto Fort Rd, turning right and almost looking like another island as it thrusts you pass St Lawrence Church, with its plaque out from the English coast between them… commemorating history made just a few From here, head eastwards (land to your left) metres further on – because it was at Lavernock along the seawall. This takes you past the Point that Guglielmo Marconi sent and received © Gwilym Owen attractive collection of houses of Swanbridge, the first ever radio transmission over open sea and up a tree-lined country lane towards St to Flat Holm Island in 1897… Mary’s Well Bay, where you can either visit Map: OS Explorer 151 Cardiff and Bridgend. Grid safely via the caravan park, or along a hidden ref: ST166675 (CF64 5UG). coastal path for those more adventurous… Car: Swanbridge is signposted from the B4267 St Mary’s Well Bay marks the geologically on the eastern edge of Sully. At the end of Beach significant boundary between the Triassic and Rd is a large car park on the sea wall outside the Jurassic Periods and it is from here that at low Captain’s Wife pub. tide you can reach a sandbar that runs parallel to the main beach and extends towards Sully Island. Bus: The 94 from Cardiff to Barry has a regular service along the B4267, with stops near both From the other side of the bay you can scramble Beach Rd and Fort Rd. © Gwilym Owen up a rocky gap eroded by a stream to re-join the Severn Estuary Partnership Photo of the Year! We are pleasedPROOF to award Dr Merryn Thomas with the first SEP ‘Photo of the Year’. The winner receives a complementary ticket to the Severn Estuary Forum!

If you have a Severn Estuary-related photo you would like to submit for the SEP ‘Photo of the Month’ please send your images to [email protected]. The winner for each month will be published in the SEP E-news, so don’t forget to send us your photos! The Severn Crossing © Merryn Thomas

Severn Estuary Partnership c/o School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Edited by Shaun Williams and Lucy Taylor Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, All photographs © Severn Estuary Partnership unless otherwise stated. Cardiff CF10 3AT Cover Photograph © Azmath Jaleel Tel: 029 2087 4713 / 07973 176961 The Severn Estuary Partnership is an independent, estuary-wide non-statutory Email: [email protected] initiative led by local authorities and statutory agencies. We work with all www.severnestuary.net/sep those involved in the management of the Estuary, from planners to port authorities, fishermen to farmers and many more with an interest in the future of the Severn Estuary. SevernEstuaryPartnership @SevernEstuary