Board Meetings
A MEETING OF THE BROADS (2006) INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD WAS HELD AT THE SUTTON STAITHE HOTEL, SUTTON, STALHAM, NORFOLK ON MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2014 AT 10.00 AM.
Elected Members Appointed Members * H J Alston Broadland D C * L E Baugh * A Mallett * J Burton B McGilvray * R Buxton * J Pettman * H G Cator OBE * Mrs B Rix * J W Chapman * N Shaw * S G Daniels D Ward * J Deane * G D Gay North Norfolk D C * M Harris Mrs A M Fitch-Tillett * K Hart * Mrs P Grove-Jones I Robinson B Jarvis * F Sharman * W Northam M Smart * R C Price T P Strudwick * R Shepherd J G Tallowin N Smith * E Wharton * R Stevens * J W K Withers * S D Wright Great Yarmouth B C P Hacon J Holmes J Shrimplin * L Sutton T Wainwright * Mrs S Weymouth
* Present (67%)
Mr H G Cator in the Chair
In attendance:
Mr P J Camamile (Chief Executive), Mr A Goodwin (District Engineer/Health & Safety Officer), Mr A Goose (Operations Manager), Mr G Bloomfield (Catchment Officer), Miss C Laburn (Technical & Environmental Assistant) and Mrs M Creasy (minutes)
ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
01/14 APOLOGIES
01/14/01 Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Messrs P Hacon, J Holmes, B Jarvis, B McGilvray, I Robinson, J Shrimplin, M Smart, N Smith, T Strudwick, J Tallowin, T Wainwright, D Ward and Mrs A 1 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
Fitch-Tillett.
02/14 REMEMBRANCE
02/14/01 Members stood in silence in remembrance of Mr John Buxton who had recently passed away. The Chairman, on behalf of the Board sent sincere thoughts and best wishes to Mr J Buxton’s family and paid tribute to his contribution to drainage in the Broads.
03/14 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
03/14/01 The Chairman welcomed Mr L Sutton and Mrs S Weymouth, Great Yarmouth Borough Council appointed members to the Board.
04/14 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
04/14/01 Members considered Mrs S Weymouth’s comment that she had been advised by the Chairman of Somerton Parish Council that as a member of the local Conservative Association, an organisation that received payments from Somerton Parish Council, she would be unable to have any input in discussions at the Broads (2006) IDB meetings as this could be seen as a conflict of interest.
04/14/02 The Board’s Chairman reiterated that all appointed members sitting on the Broads (2006) IDB, or indeed any IDB, did so as representatives of the urban ratepayer and were therefore able to legitimately participate in Board meetings. IDBs are not political bodies and members were not on the Board as representatives of any political party and as such there was no conflict of interest in regard to Mrs Weymouth’s membership of the Conservative Association or its relationship with Somerton Parish Council. RESOLVED that this be noted.
05/14 MINUTES OF THE LAST BOARD MEETING
05/14/01 The minutes of the last Board meeting held on 21 October 2013 were approved and signed as a true record.
06/14 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
06/14/01 Land Registration (67/13/01)
The Chief Executive reported that Mr M Falcon was now working on the Land Registration exercise but this was taking considerably longer than originally anticipated. RESOLVED that this be noted.
2 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
06/14/02 Decommissioned Pumping Station, Horning Hall (67/13/03)
The Chief Executive reported that the sale of the decommissioned pumping station at Horning Hall would be concluded shortly. The Board’s solicitor was currently awaiting the return of signed paperwork from the purchaser’s solicitor. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14 OPERATIONS REPORT
07/14/01 The Operations Report was considered in detail and approved (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
07/14/02 Buckenham Pumping Station (A2)
The District Engineer reported that the Board’s insurer had agreed to meet the full costs, (less excess), of the repair to the pump failure at Buckenham pumping station and the pump was expected to be back in service by the end of February 2014. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14/03 Capital Works (A5) Potter Heigham, St Benet’s, Buckenham & Seven Mile – Grant Aid
Mr S G Daniels declared an interest at this point in respect of his status as trustee of the Windmills Trust and the £5k grant-aided contribution from the Board made to the Windmills Trust in lieu of the Boards’ many years’ rent free use of Cadge’s Mill at Seven Mile. Mr Daniels recorded his thanks on behalf of the Windmills Trust for this contribution. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14/04 The District Engineer reported that the grant aid, as detailed in his report for capital works at Potter Heigham, St Benet’s and Buckenham/Seven Mile, had all been received from the EA and the works scheduled. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14/05 Capital Works (A5) Mautby Pumping Station Improvements
The District Engineer reported that improvement works were ongoing, (funded by the Caister housing development contributions). Potential additional development contributions from NCC in respect of a proposed extension to Caister waste site would also be allocated to the Mautby improvement.
07/14/06 An application for grant aid to cover the additional≈ £25k costs incurred as a result of the poor ground conditions on the Stokesby culvert scheme had been submitted to the EA for consideration. RESOLVED that this be noted.
3 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
07/14/07 Operational Matters (A6) Somerton Water Management Review
The District Engineer reported that the Somerton Water AWG Management Review consultation was complete. The draft report would be circulated for comment to all concerned in due course. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14/08 Tidal Surge 5/6 December 2013
Members noted that the Broads area was reasonably resistant to the tidal surge, due in part to the BESL tidal bank improvements. Thanks to the IDB officers were recorded from the Deputy CEO of Broadland District Council and also from Board member Mr J Deane for the Operation Manager’s swift response. RESOLVED that this be noted.
07/14/09 Complaints
The District Engineer reported that a neighbours’ dispute in Hickling centred on the ownership and maintenance of a private drain that was not the Board’s responsibility, although one of the neighbours involved considered that the Board should honour the alleged promises made by a now deceased member of the predecessor Smallburgh IDB, in respect of this drain.
07/14/10 It was considered and agreed that the Broads (2006) IDB was not responsible for this privately maintained drain. RESOLVED that this be noted.
08/14 PLANNING REPORT
08/14/01 The Planning Report was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
08/14/02 The District Engineer reported the absence of any Land Drainage Byelaw Consent applications during this reporting period and asked members to inform him if they became aware of any developments in the district that would require land drainage byelaw consent. RESOLVED that this be noted.
09/14 HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT
09/14/01 The Health and Safety Report was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). There were no matters arising.
10/14 CATCHMENT OFFICER’S REPORT
10/14/01 The Catchment Officer’s Report detailing the status of the Water
4 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
Level Management Plans (WLMPs) was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
10/14/02 Halvergate Marshes WLMP
The Catchment Officer reported he had agreed with EA Fisheries team that eel monitoring would commence from May 2014 on eels passing to/from the system through the Stracey Intake. A Project Appraisal Report (PAR) combining the funding application for the five scoping studies for the Halvergate scheme was about to be submitted. RESOLVED that this be noted.
10/14/03 Brograve: Hempstead Marshes Trial
Members considered the Catchment Officer’s proposal to instruct OTT Hydrometry Ltd to install telemetry equipment at Hempstead Marshes for monitoring and collection of data for the Hempstead Marshes trial, at a capital cost of £15k and estimated maintenance costs of £10k per annum for the remaining 3-year period of the trial. It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the use of OTT Hydrometry Ltd and to seek 100% EA grant aid for the cost of installation and maintenance for the duration of the trial.
10/14/04 Tidal Surge 5/6 December 2013
The Catchment Officer reported on the response provided by Broads (2006) and Norfolk Rivers IDB officers on a rechargeable basis to assist East Suffolk IDB in the repair of breaches in the sea wall following the tidal surge affecting the Rivers Orwell, Deben and Alde & Ore estuary. RESOLVED that this be noted.
11/14 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
11/14/01 The Environmental Report was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
11/14/02 Standard Maintenance Operations (SMO)
The Technical and Environmental Assistant reported that she and CL Board officers were currently reviewing the Board’s SMO in line with the WFD and this would be brought to the next meeting for the Board’s consideration and approval. RESOLVED that this be noted.
11/14/03 Assent for national and international designated sites in Broadland – Part 1
The Technical and Environmental Assistant was working with the Operations Manager to obtain a further five-year assent period effective 2014 – 2019 from NE permitting maintenance works across the designated sites in Broadland. RESOLVED that this be
5 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
noted.
11/14/04 Muckfleet Maintenance Management Plan
Members considered the Technical and Environmental Assistant’s update on the proposed Muckfleet maintenance management plan that had been devised in conjunction with the Operations Manager to alleviate concerns about the instability of the Muckfleet wall by improving water conveyance through the watercourse using a two- tiered approach to weedcutting and tree management, and her subsequent application to NE for a five-year assent for maintenance on the Muckfleet as proposed.
11/14/05 Members expressed concern that NE had rejected the plan as CL proposed and therefore not yet approved a five-year assent for maintenance works on the Muckfleet. Members considered the importance of water being able to get away via the Muckfleet to prevent water overtopping elsewhere in the catchment. It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED that Board officers and relevant Board members meet with NE on site to agree a maintenance management plan for the Muckfleet that was acceptable for all and would ensure the unrestricted flow of water through the watercourse.
12/14 SCHEDULE OF PAID ACCOUNTS
12/14/01 The Schedule of Paid Accounts for the period 1 October 2013 to 31 December 2013 totalling £302,737.14 was considered in detail and approved (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
12/14/02 Declarations of interest were recorded from:
(i) Mr J Chapman in respect of the payment made to Chapman Farms Ltd, where he was a Director;
(ii) Mr A Goose in respect of the payments made to his son and his son’s company, Mr B Goose and B Goose and Partners;
(iii) Mr L Baugh in respect of the payments for pump attendant duties paid to his company J H & P E Nicholson Ltd;
(iv) Mr S G Daniels as already recorded in minute 07/14/03.
12/14/03 Mr J Chapman commented on the amount of monies spent on PJC/MF pump maintenance during the reporting period and asked that in future a detailed breakdown of costs be provided. The District Engineer reported that the £114,301.44 recorded included a high percentage of capital works costs.
6 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
13/14 BUSINESS POLICY STATEMENT
13/14/01 The Board’s Business Policy Statement, adapted from the Defra/Maff Policy template that was agreed in 2000, and updated with the Board’s current strategic objectives, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), was considered in detail and approved. There were no matters arising.
14/14 CAPITAL FINANCING AND RESERVES POLICY
14/14/01 The Capital Financing and Reserves Policy, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book), was considered in detail and approved. There were no matters arising.
15/14 ESTIMATES 2014/15
15/14/01 The detailed estimates for 2014/15 were considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
15/14/02 Capital Programme 2014/15
The Capital Works Estimate for 2014/15 prepared by the District Engineer and Catchment Officer, totalling £429,000 was considered in detail and approved.
15/14/03 Maintenance Programme 2014/15
The Maintenance Works Estimate for 2014/15 prepared by the Operations Manager, totalling £601,054 was considered in detail and approved.
15/14/04 Consortium Charges 2014/15
The Administration and Technical Support Costs Estimate for 2014/15 as recommended by the Consortium Management Committee on 6 December 2013 was considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
15/14/05 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the Administrative Support Consortium Charge of £72,858 and include the same in the Board’s Rate Estimates for 2013/14.
15/14/06 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the Technical Support Consortium Charge of £185,307 and include the same in the Board’s Rate Estimates for 2014/15. .
7 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
16/14 FINANCIAL YEAR 2014/15 LAY AND SEAL DRAINAGE RATE AND SPECIAL LEVIES
16/14/01 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the net requirement of £987,281 for 2014/15 as presented (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
16/14/02 Annual Values
It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the aggregate annual values as at 31 December 2013, used for the purposes of raising and apportioning expenses from drainage rates and special levies for 2014/15.
16/14/03 It was proposed by Mrs S Weymouth, seconded by Mr M Harris and unanimously agreed to approve Option 3, which equated to a Drainage Rate increase of 2.5%, and the same increase in Special Levies due from constituent Billing Authorities:
Option 3 Drainage Rate in the Pound: 23.585p
Financed by: Agricultural Drainage Rates £259,927 Broadland District Council £153,171 Great Yarmouth Borough Council £172,964 North Norfolk District Council £269,843 South Norfolk District Council £2,388 Reserves £128,988 £987,281
16/14/04 Mr W Northam did however; express his disappointment with the increase of 2.5% in view of the fact that all local authorities currently had to make massive budget cuts.
17/14 INDICATIVE FIVE YEAR FORECAST
17/14/01 The indicative five year forecast was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
17/14/02 The deteriorating levels of reserves were noted.
18/14 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS
18/14/01 The Financial Regulations were considered in detail and approved, a copy of which is available at:
http://www.wlma.org.uk/uploads/BIDB_Financial_Regulations.pdf
Arising therefrom:
8 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to include the following statements within the Asset Management and Accounting Section of the Financial Regulations:
• All capital improvement work, asset replacement/ refurbishment and mobile plant replacement will be financed and accounted for in accordance with the Board’s Capital Financing and Reserves Policy;
• Net profits on disposal of fixed assets will be transferred to the appropriate Earmarked Reserve at the end of every financial year, as and when they arise.
19/14 RISK REGISTER
19/14/01 The Risk Register was considered in detail and approved, (a copy of which is filed in the confidential section of the Report Book). Arising therefrom:
19/14/02 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to update the Risk Register PJC with the risk that the EA may cease to pay highland water contributions to the Board, but to maintain the current risk score of 8 for the overall risk of reduction in income to the Board.
19/14/03 Members considered that the availability of the Public Sector PJC Cooperation Agreement (PSCA) developed by ADA and the EA to facilitate partnership working with other RMAs reduced the risk of the Board being unable to fulfil its statutory function as a result of little maintenance being carried out on the downstream sections of main-river. It was therefore agreed to reduce the risk score from 8 to 6. RESOLVED that this be noted.
19/14/04 Members considered the Habitats Regulations Assessments PJC requirement for IDBs to provide evidence based assessments before undertaking maintenance works and the importance of liaising with NE. It was therefore agreed to increase the risk posed by the WFD and Habitats Regulations Assessments from 6 to 8. RESOLVED that this be noted.
20/14 NEXT MEETING DATE
20/14/01 The next Board meeting was scheduled for 19 May 2014 at 10:00 am at Sutton Staithe Hotel.
21/14 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
21/14/01 ADA Incorporation
The Board’s Chairman reported that ADA would be incorporated PJC 9 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
from 1 April 2014 as planned. The resulting new ADA branch constitution would expect the local ADA branches to do much more work at a local level than had previously been done. It was agreed that the ADA Eastern Branch, of which Broads (2006) IDB was a member, would need to meet to decide its representation on the new ADA Executive Board. RESOLVED that this be noted.
21/14/02 Mr L Baugh drew members’ attention to the Ecosystems Services Report on the Broads freshwater habitat that had been issued some years ago, in which the importance of the Broads area was highlighted, and suggested that it may be beneficial to refer to this document when lobbying Defra and also in the cost benefit calculations for EA grant aid submissions. RESOLVED that this be noted.
21/14/03 Members were informed that the EA were holding an open day in Great Yarmouth on 31 January 2014. Mr F Sharman would attend on behalf of the IDB. RESOLVED that this be noted.
22/14 CONSORTIUM MATTERS
22/14/01 The unconfirmed minutes of the last Consortium Management Committee meeting held on 6 December 2013 were considered in detail and approved. Arising therefrom:
22/14/02 WMA Office Rental Proposal (47/13/03-04-05)
Members considered the CMC recommendation to agree in principle that the landlord Boards charge an annual rental of £18,000, rising over a five-year period to £27,500 per annum, based on a professional valuation of Kettlewell House, together with the CMC recommendation that the annual rental of the Kettlewell House office to the WMA should also give both the tenant (the WMA) and the landlord (King’s Lynn IDB, Broads IDB and Norfolk Rivers IDB) an option to terminate the rental agreement on one year’s notice.
22/14/03 It was agreed and thereby RESOLVED to approve the principle of charging an annual rental, initially at £18,000 and rising over a five- year period to £27,500 per annum (the market rent advised by Cruso & Wilkin, Chartered Surveyors), in return for the landlord agreeing to terminate the rental agreement subject to a one year notice period. This would enable the WMA to move from Kettlewell House in future, should it wish to do so.
22/14/04 Consortium Budget for 2014/15 (50/13/02)
The detailed Consortium Budget for the financial year 2014/15, as approved at the Consortium Management Committee meeting on 6 December 2013, was considered in detail and approved by the Board. There were no matters arising.
10 ID Broads (2006) IDB, Minute Action
22/14/05 Schedule of Paid Accounts
The Schedule of Paid Accounts for the period 1 September 2013 to 30 November 2013, totalling £155,824.21 as approved at the Consortium Management Committee meeting on 6 December 2013, was considered in detail and adopted. There were no matters arising.
22/14/06 Financial Report
The Financial Report for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 October 2013, as approved at the Consortium Management Committee meeting on 6 December 2013, was considered in detail and adopted by the Board. There were no matters arising.
22/14/07 Issues for discussion at the next CMC meeting
There were no specific issues raised by members that would require discussion at the next Consortium Management Committee meeting on 28 March 2014.
23/14 CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
23/14/01 There was no confidential business to discuss.
11 BROADS (2006) INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD
OPERATIONS REPORT FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2013
A: OPERATIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE BOARD:
1. REVENUE MAINTENANCE WORKS
Works have been undertaken on Board main drains in these catchments:
Caister (hired Norfolk Rivers IDB 7t machine) Heigham Holmes Hempstead (upper Brograve drains, and Brograve trials) Hickling Horsey Martham Mautby Potter Heigham Somerton South Tunstall Upton
Rechargeable emergency works were carried out at Iken in East Suffolk IDB by Operations Manager and Quirks due to surge of early-December.
2. PUMPING STATIONS
Minor maintenance in the form of weed strimming, roof tile replacement, gutter repairs, handrails etc carried out to pumping stations as required. Servicing in hand.
HAPPISBURGH TO WINTERTON DISTRICT
1. Brograve: (3 No. Pumps) No major problems reported.
2. Horsey: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
3. Somerton South: (2 No. Pumps) No major problems reported. Pulsar level sensor unit fault traced and repaired.
4. Somerton North: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
5. Somerton Auxiliary: (1 No. Submersible) No major problems reported. Repairs to outfall pipework through quay heading.
LOWER BURE FLEET & ACLE MARSHES DISTRICT
1. Tunstall Pump: (2 No. Pumps) No major problems reported. Weedscreen cleaner fault repaired.
2. Five Mile Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
3. Ashtree Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) Outfall flap sheared, urgent replacement carried out.
4. Breydon Pumping Station: (2 No. Pumps) No major problems reported. Weedscreen cleaner fault repaired.
5. Berney Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
6. Seven Mile Pumping Station: (2 No. Pumps) No major problems reported.
7. Stracey Arms Freshwater Intake Works: (Automatic inlet penstock) No major problems reported.
LOWER YARE FIRST DISTRICT
1. Buckenham Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) Pump failure insurance claim to be met in full (approx £25k), coordinating with capital scheme to relocate electrical switchgear from old mill to GRP kiosk.
2. Postwick Pumping Station; (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Broadland Project improving defences to pump and access.
LOWER YARE FOURTH DISTRICT
1. Cantley Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
MIDDLE BURE DISTRICT
1. The Doles Pumping Station: (3 No. Pumps) No major problems reported. Servicing of pumps completed.
2. Hermitage Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Before sale of land to adjacent landowner can proceed, proof of IDB ownership required, in hands of land agent.
MUCKFLEET & SOUTH FLEGG DISTRICT
1. Stokesby Pumping Station: (2 No. Pumps - Archimedes Screw Pumps) No major problems reported. Electrical fault repaired.
2. Mautby Pumping Station: (2 No. Pumps - Archimedes Screw Pumps) No major problems reported. See Capital Works below.
REPPS MARTHAM & THURNE DISTRICT
1. Martham Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Electrical fault repaired.
2. Repps Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
3. Thurne Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Negotiations to proceed to agree extent of IDB ownership boundary with adjacent house owner and Parish council.
SMALLBURGH DISTRICT
1. Hickling
a) Stubb Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
b) Eastfield Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
Catfield Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
2. Martham Heigham Holmes Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) Power failure, UKPower Networks installed emergency standby ring works.
3. Potter Heigham Pumping Station: (2 No. Pumps) No major problems reported.
4. Horsefen Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
5. Ludham Bridge North Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
6. Ludham Bridge South Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
7. St Benet’s Pumping Station. (1 No. Pump + 1 submersible) No major problems reported. Electrical fault repaired.
8. Horning Grove Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
9. Horning Hall Pumping Station: (Disused) Sale of building to adjacent landowner in hand.
10. Irstead Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
11. Sutton Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported.
12. Chapelfield Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Level sensor fault repaired.
13. Wayford Bridge Pumping Station: (1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. New weedscreen.
14. East Ruston: (Tonnage Bridge Pumping Station – 1 No. Pump) No major problems reported. Tonnage Bridge pump (200 litres/sec)has been underpowered and the old Smallburgh IDB had considered replacement for some time, but could not fund it. Reviewing the practicality of installing the redundant Ludham Bridge pump (350 litres/sec) in its place, pending power availability.
3. CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Access culvert installed in main drain near Low Road, Winterton; financial contribution from landowner who also benefits. See Capital Works below.
4. PLANT
Tracks and sprockets replaced on Peter Butler's 14t Doosan (5000 hours). Idler assembly replaced on Alan Cullingford's 14t Doosan (6000 hours). Operations Manager's replacement 4WD vehicle on order.
5. CAPITAL WORKS
Mautby Pumping Station Improvements (funded from Caister housing development contributions): Works to replace damaged outfall slab completed, piling to support new lifting beam installed. Fencing to compound to be renewed. Further development contribution anticipated from NCC for proposed extensions of Caister waste site.
Grant for capital works now received:
Potter Heigham Weedscreen - £48k = 53%. Works on base to weedscreen cleaner completed, cleaner being fabricated.
St Benet's Improvements - £76k = 100%. M&E order placed, it was unfortunate that the grant took so long to be approved as the earthworks could have been carried out in the ideal conditions of last year's dry summer.
Buckenham & Seven Mile - £68k = 100%. M&E order placed. Grant-aided contribution of £5k made to Windmills Trust in lieu of many years' rent-free use of Cadge's Mill at Seven Mile.
Project Appraisal Reports for EA grant aid submitted for:
Eastfield Pumping Station Automatic Weedscreen (£86,834.00) Tonnage Bridge Pumping Station Automatic Weedscreen (£89,732.50) FDGiA percentage on both schemes to be calculated, but should be in excess of 50%.
Due to recent national flood events, it is unlikely the EA will underspend so there will be little opportunity to submit schemes not in Medium Term Plan.
Stokesby Culvert Scheme: works complete, claim for additional costs (approx £25k) submitted to EA for approval.
6. OPERATIONAL MATTERS
Land Registry Work: Mr Michael Falcon has taken over the land registry/IDB ownership work left uncompleted by previous agent.
Somerton: The Water Management Review consultation is complete, draft report revised and will be distributed to all parties for comment, and a public meeting probably at Somerton Village Hall. Somerton Habitats Regulations Assessment completed and being reviewed by Natural England. Upper Thurne Environmental Hydraulic modelling (financed by NE) commenced by BESL.
Witton Bridge: the flood event during 5/6 December at Walcott resulted in debris blocking Witton Bridge, Broads IDB assisted Norfolk Rivers IDB in clearance.
Japanese Knotweed: Board member reported Japanese knotweed between Repps and Potter Heigham on EA land, EA aware and is managing it. But it seems someone (parish?) had strimmed the plant near the fish shop at Potter, into IDB drain, but too late for IDB to do anything. EA checked area, but unable to determine extent of any further contamination, BESL ecologists monitoring conditions.
7. TELEMETRY
No major problems reported. Review of Maintenance contract.
8. HYDROLOGICAL REPORT
Tidal:
10 October 2013 - 0.9m surge predicted for 13:15 GMT tide (12:15 BST) at Great Yarmouth, actual surge was 0.8m. NNW winds force 8. No overtopping reported, but tide gauges indicated the usual 'tide-locking' and levels in the Broads remained high for a few days.
5/6 December 2013 - Surge tide predictions from EA for Thursday 5 night tide, on whole of east coast. Surge of 2m predicted for North Norfolk coast and Great Yarmouth, together with NW gales. Thursday evening tide at Yarmouth was 2.9m, a surge of 1.75m. Expected 'tide-locking' expected in Broads did not occur as high pressure built from the south rapidly allowing ebb tides. Some overtopping on Yare at Berney, but the bank strengthening carried out by the
Broadland Flood Alleviation Project over the last 10 years proved extremely effective, the coast was not so fortunate.
The EA local report and analysis of the effects of the surge in Broadland will be available soon.
19 December 2013 - EA Flood Warnings of surge of 0.9m predicted on full moon tide at 22.00 tide, at Great Yarmouth, astro height 1.05, predicted tide nearly 2m. Actual tide reached was 1.80m at 22.00 hrs.
Rainfall:
Rainfall warnings issued by Met Office/EA throughout autumn, but no problems in Broads area. Warnings monitored over Christmas period.
RAF RAF East Marham Marham East Buxton West Anglia 1981-2010 observed Local Buxton Month Anglia 1971-2000 Somerton 1981-2010 average mm average observed Actual average observed 2013 average mm** mm mm*** mm* mm*** mm mm* not verified!
JAN 53.4 41.2 56.1 33.8 59 59 57.8 45.75
FEB 37.2 30.7 39.3 30.2 44 44.5 38.0 30
81 76 MAR 44.8 48.8 49.1 41.9 51 (58.2 on 8th 49.0 (58 on 9th- - 9th) 10th)
APR 45.3 24.8 47.2 22.1 46 20.5 45.8 7
MAY 44.8 47.5 53.3 41.4 47 55.9 41.4 48
JUN 54.3 19.5 59.2 14.7 64 22.2 55.2 8
JUL 46.0 29.5 52.1 20.3 59 14.7 51.6 10
AUG 50.1 47 58.8 ? 67 30 53.2 23
64.1 (18.4 55.6 41.5 55.3 ? 58 57.8 48 SEP on 13th)
RAF RAF East Marham Marham East Buxton West Anglia 1981-2010 observed Local Buxton Month Anglia 1971-2000 Somerton 1981-2010 average mm average observed Actual average observed 2013 average mm** mm mm*** mm* mm*** mm mm* not verified!
100.6 OCT 59.0 99.6 67.3 110.6 69 (20.8 on 64.3 85 12th)
NOV 58.5 53.6 62.2 51 71 55.8 66.1 57.5
DEC 56.8 58.7 52.7 41.8 61 52.4 59.5 27.5
TOTALS 605.8 542.4 652.5 **** 696 600.7 640 465.75
* http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2013 ** http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/marham#?tab=climateTables *** http://www.buxton-weather.co.uk/weather.htm#daily **** Problem with data from Marham, being investigated
The actual rainfall figures are an estimated mean for the district, are indicative only and can vary substantially from sub-catchment to sub-catchment.
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY
See separate Agenda item.
10. COMPLAINTS
A resident of Stubb Road, Hickling is requesting the Board become involved in a dispute she has with a neighbour (she may approach individual Board members). The issue is in the nature of a landownership and maintenance dispute around a ditch which is not a Board main drain. The resident feels that the Board should honour some promises made by a Smallburgh IDB member, now deceased. The neighbour has caused disruption in Hickling over the new village hall, parish council etc.
11. STAFF/WORKFORCE – MEETINGS - TRAINING/EDUCATION
14 October 2013 – NE/EA Water Framework Directive and Habitats Regulations Assessment training at Dragonfly House. Attended by BIDB & NRIDB Chairmen, members and WMA officers.
30 October 2013 - District Engineer conducted 4 officers from the NCC Flood Management team around Broads IDB district, including pumping stations etc.
31 October 2013 - meeting at Kettlewell House with Oriel Systems to review aspects of telemetry maintenance contract, service, future equipment etc. Subsequent meeting with telemetry engineer in Broads to view schemes.
6 November 2013 - RFCC/IDB Liaison Meeting at Norfolk Showground. Attended by Broads, Norfolk Rivers and East Suffolk IDB Chairmen, members, officer, EA and NE officers etc.
12 November 2013 - District Engineer site meeting with Natural England solicitors regarding route of public footpath at Waxham, results in no effect upon IDB operations.
14 November 2013 - Upper Thurne Working Group meeting at Hickling Village Hall, attended by all local interests and statutory bodies, updating on progress on Somerton review, Broads Authority schemes etc.
20 November 2013 - District Engineer met project manager of Broadland Catchment Partnership to review extent of data available from various bodies, including WMA.
26 November 2013 - WMA officer met NA and EA at Dragonfly House to review updating of Standard Maintenance Operations in light of new legislation.
28 November 2013 - District Engineer met RSPB at Strumpshaw with local land agent to look at drainage problem. Further investigation required in terms of survey of culvert invert levels etc.
Advertisement for Land Drainage Operative to assist Operations Manager placed in Eastern Daily Press on Thursday 9 January 2014. Interviews may be held after this Board meeting.
12. PLANNING REPORT
Broadland DC: 20131774 - 150 dwellings in west of Acle. Preliminary application, full application will include drainage attenuation strategy or discharge into EA Coleman's Drain.
Broads Authority: BA/2013/0319 - Private erosion protection on R Ant at Irstead. Out of IDB pumped area, no effect on BIDB. BA/2013/0323/FUL - Garage in Cess Lane, Martham. Proposed building is on existing hardstanding and some distance from IDB main drain, no effect on BIDB drainage.
Great Yarmouth BC: 06/13/0511/F - Stables at West Caister. Small building, on-site storage, considerable distance from main drain, negligible effect on BIDB pumped system. 06/13/0667/SU - Additional bays at West Caister Waste Transfer Station. No details in application of additional impermeable area, but applicant informed of probable development contribution.
B: ITEMS REQUIRING DECISION BY THE BOARD:
No operational items require decision by the Board for this period October to December 2013. However, the next Board meeting will precede the submission to the EA for the Broads IDB Medium Term Plan (usually submitted in June) and any suggestions/recommendations from local perspectives will be welcome for possible inclusion in the 20-year plan.
PLANNING & BYELAWS:
No Land Drainage Byelaw applications made to the Board in this reporting period.
HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT
Period from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2013
Copes Safety Management inspections, viewed typical pumping station installations, reviewed generic risk assessments.
Copes Safety Management advice and recommendations received following inspections above. Health & Safety Files updated, and recommendations in hand.
Contractors completed H&S Selection Questionnaire as advised by Copes. Includes details of contractors' H&S policy and procedures, typical method statements, training records, liability insurance etc. Contractors; D C Hunt Engineers T H Quirk Ltd Matthew Williams B J Goose Smaller contractors sign a 'Contractor Work Risk Assessment' for small works.
King's Lynn IDB have commenced a 'Lone Worker Device' call-down system service provided by Peoplesafe Ltd. This is a GPRS-based cell- phone as recommended by Association of Chief Police Officers. It is being adopted in all WMA Boards. The cost to Broads IDB is £5500 for a three- year contract (ie approx £1500 set-up costs first 3 months then £120 per month for 3 employees and 3 contractors for 33 months).
Lifting equipment, training certificates etc correlated and filed in King's Lynn offices as part of ISO 9001 certification.
No reportable incidents this period.
Catchment Officer Report
WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT PLANS (WLMPs)
Halvergate Marshes Update
National guidance on detailed appraisal requirements for Eel Regulations (Halvergate is a High Priority System) is ongoing. Assessments are programmed through MTP to commence April 2014.
It has been accepted by the Environment Agency the 5 separate elements of work can be worked up together in the form of a single study and are open to the Project Appraisal Reports (PAR’s) coming in as one document or separately as long as identified benefits are not double accounted. If the PAR’s exceed the value of £100k there will be the additional scrutiny from Regional Project Appraisal Board. (PAB)
1) Water Level Management improvements at Wickhampton Marshes SSSI & Crassula Helmsii Over this Period an Options appraisal has been undertaken to improve water level management on Wickhampton Marshes SSSI, primarily how to improve drainage of the system in times of flooding. The marshes in question also have the invasive plant species Crassula Helmsii present, so the preferred solution needs to manage this problem while creating an alternative drainage route away from the internationally designated habitat to the south. A provisional preferred route has been determined and landowners affected identified. John Worfolk acting as consultant to the Board is visiting those concerned with a view of gaining support for the scheme in principle. The outline estimate for the scheme is likely to be in the order of £250k-£275k in total funded at 100% Grant in Aid from the Environment Agency.
2) The Sink & Wind Pump Nothing to report this period.
3) Sluice adjacent to Berney Pump Nothing to report this period.
4) Extension of the Fleet towards North Eastern corner of Halvergate. An Options appraisal has commenced identifying routes to improve the gravitational flows from the High Level carrier and the Fleet enabling better water level management control to the North Eastern Corner of Halvergate. Currently this area of Halvergate requires pumping by RSPB to sustain the levels in times of low rainfall. The knowledge and support given by the RSPB Officers has been invaluable in moving this complex scheme forward.
5) Salinity monitoring programme for Seven Mile Pump. Ducting required for Salinity monitoring programme at Seven Mile Pump will be installed when the pending pump control equipment is removed from the listed mill structure.
BROGRAVE PARTNERSHIP- Hempstead Marshes Trail
Further to the Brograve Partnership Meeting of 26 September 2013 there has been an intensive programme of monitoring highlighted in Table 1 Below. The site has been visited by 2 teams on alternate weeks to ensure the sensors have been cleaned weekly. Team 1 (Cream block Mark Harris) has undertaken an onsite clean of the 13 measuring devices and rod the 3 culverts to flush out the ochre deposits. Team 2 (green block) rod the culverts also, then collect all the devices from the site and undertake a controlled clean of the instruments, download all the data off the devices (using mains supply at Causeway Farm Butchers courtesy of Anna Goose, Alan’s daughter) and then calibrate the instruments using industry standard salt solutions of a known value. All the downloaded data is then sent via email when back at the office to Ian Holman at Cranfield for Analysis. At the time of writing this report no conclusions have been reached.
Table 1
This programme of activity has been very intensive in terms of staff resources and mileage travelled approximately £7.4k for the four month period (c.£22k/annum). These costs will be covered by the Brograve Study (100% grant) and forecast for the duration of the monitoring possibly up to another 3 years.
Looking at reducing costs the Catchment Officer contacted OTT Hydrometry Ltd; (OTT are providing technical environmental monitoring services for Norfolk Rivers Trust on the River Nar), to investigate the possibility of automating the data collecting and transfer at Hempstead in real time.
An onsite technical appraisal has been conducted assessing the capability and compatibility of our existing equipment with the advancements in remote mobile technology and improved power from discrete solar panels & batteries. To highlight how the system could work OTT have provided a recommended configuration for evaluation compared to the existing arrangements see 2 page OTT document attached with this Report.
The capital & installation costs for the improved system is circa £15k however the estimated maintenance and administration costs reduce significantly (£10k/ annum) assuming 1 technical visit/ month and using Team 1, 3 times a month undertaking tasks described above. The data is collected in real time and uploaded to their web server with access provided to those who need the information including Cranfield University.
These savings could be amplified further if the Brograve Project extends its monitoring within the catchment as the relay station proposed can accept data from another 4 sites also.
Recommendation to the Board is to seek the required grant from the Environment Agency at (100% grant in aid) to cover the cost of installation and administration for the duration of the study.
Tidal Storm Surge
A significant tidal surge forecast as a Serve Flood Warning by the Environment Agency hit the Norfolk & Suffolk coastline, Thursday 5th & Friday 6 December 2013. In some locations levels exceeded those that caused fatal floods in 1953 although thankfully on this occasion no body was drowned.
As a result of the surge there was considerable damage caused to Coastal & Tidal Defences protecting people and property throughout Norfolk & Suffolk. Under the Floods & Water Management Act 2010 & Civil Contingency Act 2004 the Environment Agency (EA) co-ordinated the strategic response requesting support from all Flood Risk Management Authorities including East Group of IDB’s (Broads IDB, Norfolk Rivers IDB & East Suffolk IDB).
Although the Norfolk Rivers & Broads areas resisted surge well; primarily due to the Broadland tidal bank improvement scheme, the Tidal Rivers Orwell, Deben and Tidal Alde & Ore Estuary were badly hit with wide scale overtopping, full breaches and partial breaching in places. Priorities were identified by EA and as a result the Eastern Group of IDB’s mobilised two teams, one from Norfolk Rivers and one from the Broads to support East Suffolk IDB in their response.
Both walls were reinstated in a timely manner by Christmas Eve & ahead of forecast high spring tides over this period.
The Iken Tidal Embankment (Broads IDB Team)
This defence was partially breached in 4 discreet locations (each circa 15m in length) and received back face scour to the defence along a length of approximately 1.5km, see Pictures 4 & 5 below. Access with heavy plant to the rear of the wall was impossible immediately after the event due to the wide spread flooding within the system. As a result an additional temporary pump was installed by DC Hunt Engineers to support Iken pump evacute these flood waters.
The wall protects the vulnerable low lying community of Iken Village(c.9 properties), High grade arable land (400 acres) and Grazing marshes providing environmental habitat for over wintering birds. The Catchment Officer negociated a contribution from the Environment Agency of up to £40k to support the wall reinstatement.
The solution used contracted in land based plant on back face of the wall to undertake a permanent repair to the breaches using locally won material provided by the landowner Pictures 6&7. The site was managed by the Broads IDB Operations Manager, Alan Goose with risk management paperwork provided by the Catchment Officer.
Pictures 4&5
Pictures 6&7
Ham Creek Wall (Norfolk Rivers IDB) A second Team reported to the North Bank of the Tidal Alde at Ham Creek managed by the Norfolk River Operations Manager Adrian Fowle and used a combination of Norfolk Rivers Staff Graham Boyce & Contractors. This wall had recently transferred from the Environment Agency (EA) to the landowner and therefore did not attract any financial support from EA. Although a modest wall compared with Iken, it protects a very important water abtstraction point circa 1km upstream that enables filling of a reservoir for summer irrigation of high grade arable land. As a result of a significant full breach (approximately 15m wide), Picture 8, this source of water was heavily contaminated with salt water and the hole was such that unless repaired would flood during normal spring tides rendering the land behind useless. There was significant back face erosion of the wall along a further c.150m length requiring reinstatement also, Picture 9. Due to the very confined width of the wall specialist plant was used including a long reach 5 tonnes 360 excavator (picture 10) and a 2 tonnes tracked dumper that was able to tip sideways (picture 11). The dumper also had the ability to rotate the seat so the operater was always facing the direction of travel.
Picture 8 Picture 9
Picture 10 Picture 11 STAFF/WORKFORCE – MEETINGS - TRAINING/EDUCATION Catchment Officer attended the following meetings:
14 October 2013 Water Framework Directive WFD & Habitats Directive Stakeholder engagement event hosted by Natural England & Environment Agency Officers to discuss the management of protected habitats and highlighting processes required to be taken by Operating Authorities to ensure compliance with the regulations. From the Boards perspective discussions centred on our routine water level operations, emergencies and activities by 3rd parties in our district. The Catchment Officer gave a presentation on capital schemes being undertaken within Norfolk Rivers and Broads Drainage Districts which are leading the way in innovative techniques in meeting WFD requirements.
17 October 2013 Options Appraisal for Halvergate Meeting with Alan Goose & John Worfolk to discuss options for preferred route from Wickhampton Marshes, North to Tunstall Pump.
13 November 2013 Detailed Design Halvergate Meeting with Alan Goose & John Worfolk and RSPB Officers to look at detailed design for the Wickhampton Marshes Scheme, & Discuss options appraisal for Water Transfer Scheme from the Fleet towards Eastern Boundary of Halvergate.
02 December 2013 Meeting with Oriel Telemetry Systems looking at feasibility at reducing costs and gaining more consistent data from the Hempstead Marsh Trial site.
05 December 2013 Meeting with OTT Telemetry Systems looking at feasibility at reducing costs and gaining more consistent data from the Hempstead Marsh Trial site.
19 December 2013 Meeting with RS Hydro & Oriel Systems investigating anomalies with conductivity probes & Levels sensors as a result of in field calibration techniques.
06 to 24 December 2013 Emergency Response to Tidal Storm Surge Iken, Suffolk Response included meetings with landowners, farm managers, and Statutory Authorities over this period.
Broads (2006) IDB Environmental Report January 2014
The following information pertains to environmental work carried out for the Broads IDB involving the Technical and Environmental Assistant (TEA), 03 October 2013 – 15 January 2014:
1. Statutory Duties towards Conservation
1.1 Prework Checks and Site Visits The following is a list of site visits and pre-works checks undertaken by the TEA:
8 October 2013 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
21 October 2013 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
4 November 2013 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
19 November 2013 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
02 December 2013 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer, Steve Butonni (Oriel Systems) to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
09 January 2014 Hempstead Marshes visit with the Catchment Officer to examine the installed monitoring equipment, download data and clean equipment.
2. Meetings and Training attended
All meetings attended by the Technical and Environmental Assistant (TEA) and other relevant parties in representation of the Broads IDB. 03 October 2013 – 15 January 2014:
07 October 2013 Visit to EA Norwich to meet with Louise Taylor (Monitoring Officer) to establish calibration of ELE equipment. The equipment was found to be faulty and returned to the supplier for fixing or replacement. It is critical to ensure appropriate calibration of salinity monitoring equipment for the Hempstead trials.
14 October 2013 Habs Regs Assessment/ Water Framework Directive Training meeting with Board Members and officers from Broads and Norfolk Rivers IDB, NE, EA. The training discussed the legislation behind the WFD and Habs Regs and described protocols to ensure compliance with the WFD and Habs Regs.
5 November 2013 Broads Biodiversity Group meeting, Yare House, Norwich. Representatives from many agencies working to monitor and improve biodiversity across Broadland. Two particularly interesting presentations were made by Dr Stuart Newson (BTO) discussing the successes of a community based, Norfolk Bat Project and a talk on the potential for determining translocation sites for Potomogeton compressus.
13 November 2013 Norfolk Mink Management Project meeting to discuss the progress of the project to date.
18 November 2013 Staff Meeting and Best Practice Meeting held at Kettlewell House.
20 November 2013 Eel Management Plan Meeting, Brampton. Continued discussions on eel and fish screening and escapement methods at pumping stations.
The time frame for options appraisal assessments requires we have a plan in place for high priority sites by 1 January 2015. We have applied for Capital Grant for all high priority sites to cover the costs of Options Appraisals in financial year 2014- 2015.
26 November 2013 A review of the current Standard Maintenance Operations (SMO) document was carried out with NE and the EA, with the aim of bringing the document in line with the WFD. The IDB Officers attending the meeting and discussing amendments to the document were the District Engineer, the Operations Manager the TEA and from Natural England, Chris Bielby and the Environment Agency, Rory Sanderson.
The Revised SMO will be brought to the next Broads Board Meeting in May 2014 for approval.
14 January 2014 Trinity Broads Partnership Meeting was attended at NWT, Norwich with all stakeholders interested in the biodiversity and management of the Trinity Broads and Muckfleet.
3. Information for the Board
Muckfleet Maintenance Management Plan - Update An assent for a proposed 5 year assent for annual maintenance of the Muckfleet was submitted to Natural England toward the end of 2013, with the general premise of undertaking a two tiered approach to weedcutting and tree management of the watercourse. The premise was that tree trimming should be carried out in February and weeding should be carried out in August-September, prior to the overwintering fish utilising the watercourse in October – February.
Natural England have considered the proposal, but are concerned for the designated features of the aquatic community structures within the Muckfleet and have expressed concerns as to the potential effects a routine annual weedcut may bring about on these designated features. They are not sure that this methodology will constitute, “no significant effect” being actualised on the features of the Muckfleet as part of the Trinity Broads SSSI and SAC.
The maintenance management plan for the Muckfleet needs further thought and consideration prior to any formal plan being established moving forward.
4. Assent for National and Internationally Designated Sites in Broadland – Part I A 5 year assent was established for many of the designated sites in Broadland in 2009. A 5 year assent is useful in allowing maintenance work to proceed by reducing paperwork and the pressure on resources for both Natural England Officers and the TEA.
A further 5 year assent for maintenance work has recently been applied for covering many of the designated sites in Broadland. The consent is currently under consultation with Natural England. This piece of work was undertaken in conjunction with the Operations Manager.
Project to increase suitable habitat for BAP priority species, (Grasswrack Pondweed), within the South Walsham Marshes: Final Report
A final report has been produced as part of the DEFRA funded project initiated in January 2012 whereby a ditch was widened and a culvert reinstated in the South Walsham marshes to increase the distribution of the pondweed across the marshes and increase habitat availability for the plant by 500m. As part of the project, turion translocation also took place from other locations on the marshes.
The results and conclusions of the project were very positive. Mill House Ecology undertook the translocation and produced the report. They found that on the basis of the two surveys undertaken in 2013, the seeding exercise of the widened IDB marsh dyke is considered a success as plants have become established along the full length of the widened dyke.
Mill House Ecology anticipated that the population should be maintained into future years, as numerous turions were present during the September 2013 survey, however ongoing monitoring is recommended, in particular to assess the impact of water soldier growth along the western stretch of the dyke which may in time smother the pondweed.
They describe a future management protocol to maintain the necessary conditions for grass-wrack pondweed growth and recommend a further distribution surveys moving forward.
The final project can be viewed on the website at: http://www.wlma.org.uk/uploads/WMA_Potamogeton_Compressus_Report_in_South _Walsham_Marshes_2013.pdf
Final Report on the Barn Owl Recovery Project – A SITA funded partnership project between the Wildlife Conservation Partnership, Kings Lynn IDB, Norfolk Rivers IDB and Broads IDB
Unfortunately, due to the late winter, 2013 turned out to be the worst reported breeding season for barn owls since 1958. Many of Colin Shawyer’s colleagues throughout the UK reported a lack of breeding at traditionally used nest sites throughout the country, with a general breeding occupancy down by 80 -100%.
However, Colin Shawyer was delighted to report that some of the newly installed nest boxed as part of the IDB/SITA Trust Barn Owl Recovery Project and some of the previously installed nest box sites produced young last season. Some nest boxes also had non-breeding pairs or singletons present suggesting at least some of these owls were able to survive the late winter.
The final conclusion of the 18 month project linking Barn Owl populations across Norfolk demonstrated that barn owls were recorded at 20 of the 42 new nest box sites. The expectation is for breeding occupancy to increase from its current level of 15% in 2013 to about 40% by 2015.
The project report can be viewed on the website, link below. Please note, site specific information has been removed from the report to protect landowner details and box locations: http://www.wlma.org.uk/uploads/WMA_Barn_Owl_Nestbox_Installation_in_Norfolk_2 013.pdf
Broads (2006) IDB Schedule of Paid Accounts
Payment Date From : 01/10/2013 Payment Date To : 31/12/2013 Amount Paid -11,937.96 This Period Account ID Name Details -494.00 AN0120 Anglia Farmers Ltd Electric 11,937.96 -98.53 BO0001 Helen Booth/Christian Whiting Grasswrack Survey 494.00 -347.44 BT0001 BT Payment Services Telephone/Broadband 98.53 -1,261.18 (EA39550120) BT0002 BT Payment Services Telephone/Broadband 347.44 -1,913.26 (WM38489919) CH0001 Chapman Farms Ltd Rent/Electric 1,261.18 -140.28 CJ0340 C J Spares Ltd Spares 1,913.26 -2,750.00 CL0350 Clarke Hydraulics Hydraulic Pipes 140.28 -750.00 CR0001 Hugh Crane Ltd Telemetry 2,750.00 -66,761.50 DU0001 Peter Duffield Pump Attendant 750.00 -1,148.82 EN0501 Environment Agency Precept 66,761.50 -4,815.50 FU0002 Fuel Card Services Ltd Fuel 1,148.82 -7,098.00 GO0742 B J Goose Drain Maintenance 4,815.50 -203.67 GO0744 B G Goose & Partners Plant Hire & Labour 7,098.00 -232.13 GS0001 G & S Stores Ltd Small Tools 203.67 -114,301.44 HO0002 Hose Services Small Tools/Plant 232.13 -824.28 HU0850 D C Hunt All Pump Maintenance 114,301.44 -5,008.37 ID0901 I D Spares & Services Ltd Pump Maintenance 824.28 -2,174.64 IN0950 Inland Revenue Paye & NIC 5,008.37 -3,600.00 JO0002 Roger Jones Pump Attendant 2,174.64 -1,017.61 KE0001 Kenneth Robinson Equipment Ltd Plant Repairs 3,600.00 -750.00 KI1105 Kings Lynn IDB Rechargeable Work 1,017.61 -506.00 KI1110 Mr R J Kittle Pump Attendance 750.00 -525.00 LA0002 Mervyn Lambert Plant Service 506.00 -29.98 LO0001 Robin Lofty Plant Maintenance 525.00 -543.17 LU1290 Ludham Garage Ltd Plant Service 29.98 -64.03 MA0003 Magpie Security Locksmith 543.17 -900.00 NI1450 Nicholsons Hardware 64.03 -1,667.00 NI1451 J H & P E Nicholson Ltd Pump Attendance 900.00 -5,000.00 NO0002 Norfolk County Council Mink Control 1,667.00 -2,749.05 NO0006 Norfolk Windmills Trust AC Contribution 5,000.00 -9,559.44 NO1470 Norfolk Pension Fund Pension Contributions 2,749.05 -2,206.20 NO1475 Norfolk Rivers IDB Rechargeable Work 9,559.44 -1,492.70 OR1550 Oriel Systems Ltd Telemetry Maintenance 2,206.20 -11,248.48 PDC001 PDC Clear Weedscreen 1,492.70 -7,809.00 QU1710 T H Quirk Plant Hire Materials/Gas Oil 11,248.48 -486.26 RI0002 David Ribbands Pump Maintenance 7,809.00 -126.67 RS0001 RS Hydro Ltd Materials 486.26 -28,008.00 SH1955 Shell UK Oil Products Ltd Fuel 126.67 -1,828.68 TH0001 Paul Thain Maintenance Works 28,008.00 -343.28 TR2010 Mr P Travis Pump Attendant 1,828.68 -15.59 VO0001 Vodafone Mobile Phones 343.28 WA0001 Water Management Alliance Rechargeable Work 15.59
£ 302,737.14