Largest ever fen survey reveals importance of managing the Broads

The largest fen survey ever to have been undertaken in the UK has reinforced the importance of the Broads as a haven for rare wildlife and the need to protect and manage it carefully in the future. A total of 450 types of plants were recorded, some of which are unique to the Broads. This has prompted a rewrite of national plant classification to take account of Broadland’s newly found distinctiveness. The survey also unveiled 850 species of invertebrate, a remarkable number considering only certain groups were targeted. The vegetation survey covered 8,000 sample points within 1750 hectares across the five Broads river valleys. This is the nation’s biggest area of lowland fen or ‘wetland’. It was undertaken over three years by environmental consultants and managed by the Broads Authority. It was co-funded by the Broads Authority and Natural England with a contribution from Essex and Suffolk Water. The survey revealed that some of the most species rich fen had been restored and managed by the Broads Authority, Natural England, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. The richest areas were found in turf ponds, where shallow open water areas had been dug in open fen. These ponds were once dug for peat fuel but now these new cuttings provide home to the rarest species and remain wetter for longer in periods of drought. The work of the Authority, partners and reed cutters has been vital to keep the fens free of scrub. In areas where scrub has not been cut back the rare plant species and insects have been lost or changed.  The Ant Valley was found to be the richest area for both plants and invertebrates. The presence or absence of certain plants indicated that some fens are possibly becoming more saline and some areas being taken over by reed are losing rare wetland plants.
Sue Stephenson, the Environment Officer who managed the project at the Broads Authority, said: “This has been a colossal piece of work, which has been incredibly exciting and challenging to work on and which has provided an important picture of the condition of fens in the Broads. There is a lot of information to come out of it which will steer the management of the Broads for years to come, particularly in the light of climate change. The results prove our management efforts have been effective but more is still needed.” The survey also assessed how cutting vegetation would affect the mobility of invertebrates. Andrea Kelly, Senior Ecologist, said “The Broads fens contain unique invertebrate communities of aquatic and terrestrial beetles, spiders, two winged flies and hoppers that you wouldn’t normally notice.  We need to know more about the importance of annual fluctuations and seasonal variations in hydrology and tolerance of these species to change.” “The fen survey demonstrates that conservation management in the fens is essential to stop them becoming woodland and to retain their biodiversity. Worryingly, it shows that some areas are being neglected and incursions of saline water are an increasing risk. Further investment is required as well as a need to understand the options for improving water quality.” The Broads Authority is working with its partners to press for funding for more fen management, improving the water environment, connecting wetlands to improve wildlife chances to adapt to future change, and identifying how to adapt the fens and wetlands to rapid climate change.

Broads Cruiser For Sale

I came across this Motor Cruiser on my travels yesterday. She’s apparently an old Herbert Woods ‘Highlight Class’ Broads Cruiser. The hull has been rebuilt in what appears to be Teak! ( very durable). The inside requires refitting. A Perkins P3 diesel provides the propulsion.
Contact the owner Mr. Len Harvey on 01603 898837 he’s ready to let her go, and is open to any reasonable offers around £2500. ….or drop him an email at jharvey111@aol.com

This is what she probably looked like

She has got some rot in the hog, which reflects in the asking price

Great winter project!

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Aquafibre 31 Sedan in Horning

Today’s assignment was at Horning on this Aquafibre Motor Cruiser.

Sedan models are a kind of cross between the dual steer and aft-cockpit models. The superstructure is usually quite high, with a large saloon opening out onto the aft cockpit area through patio doors. The helm position is in the saloon, and there is usually ample seating in the aft cockpit. In some cases, there is a flybridge on top of the saloon roof, giving excellent visibility but very high airdaft.



Launched in the mid '90's, a sleek sedan style cruiser found in smaller numbers on hire and is very successful with private owners, often featuring high quality interiors.

 Aquafibre History

Aquafibre was founded at Neatishead, Norfolk in the 1960's by a consortium of local boat-builders. The majority shareholders were Robert Richardson and John Linford, who had 30% equity each. The remainder was divided between Martin Broom (Broom Boats - 15%), Vicktor Bell (Bell Boats - 10%), David Millbank (Jenners of Thorpe 10%) and Dawncraft of Wroxham (5%). Dawncraft soon sold their share to David Millbank. John Linford was tragically killed in a light aircraft crash and his share was sold to Martin Broom. Robert Richardson felt that he was the main customer of the business and so sold his share to Martin Broom around 1975 to embark on his own operation. It is not known (by us, at least) what the current shareholding is, however Aquafibre is often identified as being Broom's 'sister' company and almost all of their boats have been moulded at Wendover Road. Aquafibre also provide mould development and consultancy services for many other major boatbuilders as well as producing their extensive range of models from the current Rackheath facility. Sadly, in May 2009 the vast Wendover Road site at Rackheath closed its doors for the very last time. Production of sister company Broom's mouldings moved entirely to their Brundall site, with key Aquafibre customer Haines doing the same for their models built at Catfield.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:


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London children's first visit to the Broads

Inner London children had their first taste of the country when they visited the Broads from June 20 to 24.

The 31 children from Havelock Primary School, Southall, most of whom have never left London or their families, have been staying at Hautbois House Residential and Activity Centre in Coltishall in the heart of the Broads.

On Wednesday Broads Authority rangers hosted a special day of activities at Hoveton Riverside Park including trips aboard the Broads Authority’s Edwardian style launch, Liana, and a ranger’s launch, hay raking, mini beast hunting and a Broads discovery trail.

This is one of five educational visits to the Broads being organised by the Country Trust this year. Two of the visits have been subsidised by a £5,400 grant from the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

During the boat trips the children had sightings of an otter with a fish in its mouth, great crested grebes with chicks riding on their backs and feeding them fish, dragonflies, swans and geese.

Broads Authority Education Officer Nick Sanderson, who ran the event said: “This was an opportunity for us to give London children a completely new and unique experience which will widen their horizons. It will be something they will never forget.”

It was clear they had succeeded from comments from the children.

“I love the fresh air,” remarked 10 year old Nadra.

Zohura from Woolmore Primary School, in Tower Hamlets, who came to the Broads on a similar visit in May said: “I have never had so much fun in my life. The best thing was when my group was on the boat and we saw a rare duck. I never thought I would see anything rare in my life. Thank you for making the day so special.”

Imma, also from Woolmore School, commented: ”My class mates and I enjoyed the boat trip especially when I saw the feathery ducks and the green lilypads. It was a great experience. I hope we visit again!”

Another pupil, Fariha, said:” We enjoyed the boat trip because we got to see lovely ducks and massive trees that looked like they were going up to the sky. The river dipping was interesting because we found lots of different insects.”

Bina Murray, Regional Manager for East Anglia at The Country Trust, said: “This was an amazing experience for the children. Some of them have never  been out of the estates they live on. Our aim is to raise their awareness of the countryside, their aspirations and visions for the future and extend their horizons beyond London. They  learn to look after each other, work together, rely on and respect each other.”

At Hautbois House, run by Girlguiding Anglia, the children are orienteering, raft building and taking part in team building initiative tests.

The Broads Authority has introduced children from many local schools to the Broads over the last few years, but these are the first residential visits from London to be run in collaboration with the Country Trust and other partners.

The Country Trust has been bridging the gap between urban and rural communities through showing the working countryside to inner city children, their teachers and parents for 30 years

Broom 10/70 in Brundall Norfolk

Mark and Trace taking down the canopy to get her in the shed ready for lifting

Excellent facilities at Broadband Boat Centre

Today’s assignment was to carry out a Pre-Purchase Survey on this Motor Cruiser, to include a River Trial on completion.

The 10/70 is the successor to the Broom European and similarly intended for the continental market, the 10/70 has a solid keel which keeps it in a straight line even at a crawling pace, making it ideal for the inland waterways.

Inside the layout is similar to the European, with the galley forward to starboard. The sliding doors from the saloon to the side decks have been deleted allowing for a U-shaped sofa. In the master cabin the twin berths are replaced by a centreline double.

Most boats were fitted with twin Volvo's, ranging from 105HP to 220HP, although a typical configuration was twin Volvo TMD41A (150HP each). Offshore, boat trim was improved by fixed or adjustable trim tabs. This one has two new Nanni 200HP diesels.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Freeman 26 Twin Screw Version

Todays appointment was situated on the River Bure in the picturesque village of Horning on the Norfolk Broads.

Todays Survey on this Freeman 26, an unusual marc as this one had twin petrol engines. Using the same hull as the Freeman 25, the Freeman 26's superstructure was developed from the Freeman 22 Mk2. We see the return of the step in the deck and larger cabin windows. The Freeman 26 offers larger accomodation and together with the Freeman 22 Mk2 formed the back bone of what is generally known as the Freeman range.

Tiffany the Yacht Broker taking her round to the crane.

Roger Hodds lifting her out for inspection

Buying a Freeman CruiserJust a few odd pointers to help you on your way to owning a Freeman boat.

• It is always a good idea to have a full survey before you purchase any boat.
  
• Most insurance companies will require a survey before they insure your boat, so you might as well have the survey before you purchase it.
  
• Buy a boat you can afford not to use. There is always a bigger or better boat on the market, so buy one that's well within your budget.
  
• You don't buy a Freeman you marry it! They do need love and care.
  
• Always allow for realistic running costs as any boat will simply deteriorate if not maintained.
  
• Why not consider a boat bank account, putting a little away each month ensures there are funds to hand when it's time for a major refit.
  
• Information on Freeman Boats for sale can be found in the Freeman Boat Sales section.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:



steventruss1@aol.com

Narrow boat in Brundall

Todays assignment was to carry out an Insurance Survey and some Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements on this steel Narrowboat at Brooms Boats, on the South Broads. It is owned by a young couple who will be using it as a live aboard.

90 HP Gardner engine, a real classic diesel...

So you've decided to take the plunge and buy a boat to live on? Here's my advice on what to get and things to watch out for:

Narrowboats are a natural choice for many people living aboard. They are relatively inexpensive and can travel virtually anywhere inland (a 57ft long narrowboat is the largest inland craft that will fit down every waterway). The construction is usually steel which is robust and easy to maintain, although when the boat gets old it will need plates welding on which can be expensive. Most second hand narrowboats are suitable for living aboard, although the internal layout may need changing, especially if it was previously used as a hire boat (lots of bunks at the expense of living space). However, if you want a light, spacious feel then a narrowboat is not for you. They are only 6ft 10' wide and so even a full 70ft long narrowboat will still 'feel' small. The width makes it difficult to fit normal sofas and furnishings.

If you want a narrowboat that make best use of cabin space, go for a 'traditional' type. This has a minimal amount of deck space, so that only one person can stand at the back. This makes it hard to take guests out for a cruise because they have to stay inside or clamber onto the roof. However, a major plus is that most trad boats have the engine inside the rear cabin and so you can work on the engine without freezing your hands or getting soaked.

A 'cruiser' type narrowboat is one that has a large, open rear deck, perfect for taking guests out for a cruise but at the expense of cabin space. The engine will be below the deck and you'll have to work on it in the open.

A compromise is reached with 'semi trad' narrowboats. These look like a trad boat in profile but have a medium sized rear deck that can be covered with a large hatch or tarpaulin for keeping the weather out while you work on the engine.

A major disadvantage with narrowboats is that they are unsuitable for mooring on tidal berths where they take a grounding every day. You can beach a narrowboat if the ground is completely flat and soft, but if you beach on rocks, pebbles, rubbish or undulating ground then you run the risk of distorting or folding the hull. This plus the general unseaworthiness of narrowboats makes them unsuitable if you're thinking of mooring in an estuary or on the coast.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Broads Authority scoops £800000 for dredging the Broads

The Broads Authority has been awarded around £800,000 from the European Regional Development Fund to develop innovative dredging solutions for the management of the waterways.

The project, which is called PRISMA (Promoting Integrated Sediment Management) involves working with Dutch, Belgian and French partners and will help to deliver planned projects highlighted in the Authority’s Sediment Management Strategy.

John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, said: “This successful bid is really welcome. At a time when we have had our National Park Grant cut by almost a third, this will enable us to deliver some good projects for the benefit of the Broads.”

Trudi Wakelin, Operations Director, said: “One of the biggest obstacles to dredging of the rivers and broads is the lack of available sites to dispose of the sediment.  We plan to use the fund to develop disposal opportunities across the Broads which will enable us to benefit areas which haven’t been dredged in recent years.

“This funding will enable us to work with three partners from Holland, Belgium and France comparing dredging techniques and learning from each other about how we reduce sediment coming into our waterways and sustainably remove it from them”.

Three of the key projects in the Broads are the extension of the island creation scheme in Duck Broad, rebuilding a bank at Salhouse Broad and building a new mud wherry.

Trudi Wakelin said: “We hope to start extending Duck Island next winter, subject to getting planning permission and Natural England’s consent. Our trial project this year to rebuild an area lost by erosion using gabion baskets and geotextile bags appears to have been very successful. This funding will help fund the construction of a larger island, again using dredged material from the channel leading into Hickling Broad called Heigham Sound.

“We are also planning to dredge the River Bure between Salhouse and Wroxham Broad using the sediment to reinstate a bank lost to erosion at the entrance to Salhouse Broad.

“Finally our old mud wherries, which are used to carry sediment to the disposal sites, were inherited from May Gurney and are rather old. This funding will help pay for the building of a new vessel, the first of its type in the Broads for many years.”

This is the second tranche of money the Broads Authority has received from Europe in recent times. In 2010 €500,000 were awarded from the Regional Development Fund to be spent on sustainable tourism projects as part of the STEP programme (Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks). This has helped fund a range of projects including the website www.enjoythebroads.com, touchscreen technology in visitor centres and this month’s very successful Outdoors Festival.

The other PRISMA European partners are Waterways and Seacanal in Belgium, Waterboard of Schieland and Krimpenerwaard in the Netherlands and Armines acting through Centre de Douai, France

Wooden Boat Fanatics!

I spent the morning at Johns in Weyford Bridge Marina carrying out a number of Boat Safety Inspections. I couldnt help notice the amount of old Wooden Broads Cruisers there in the yard.

Anyone fancy a winter project! .... im sure many are up for sale. (click the above link).

Norfolk Broads Cruiser

I was working at Martham Ferry today which is run by Mark King. Martham Ferry Boatyard is situated on the River Thurne overlooking the National Trust land on Heigham Holmes. In recent years the boatyard has been extensively improved by Mark including a new workshop, Hoilday Homes and Moorings.

Todays Survey was on the old wooden cruiser pictured below. She is a product of the era of the tall sided majestic looking wooden Broadland Motor Cruisers designed specifically for hire on the inland water ways.

She is undergoing a complete refit which will include a new engine. I will be acting as a Consultant during the refitting process which could take up to 2 years for completion.

Click for Martham Ferry Website

 One of the few remaining vehicle ferries on the Norfolk Broads. The ferry is hand operated and takes farm vehicles over the water.

Martham Ferry today and below back in the 60's...



Stripped out for Survey ready for remedial works to start...

 

Broads business awarded first Green Mark for boats

A Broads boat hire company is the first business in the country to be awarded a new Green Mark accreditation for eco-friendly boats.

Norfolk Broads Direct of Wroxham received the grading when the Green Tourism Business Scheme launched its Green Mark for holiday cruisers on Wednesday June 8th as part of Green Tourism Week (June 6-12) in partnership with Broads Tourism and the Broads Authority, which manages the Broads.

The award is based on 25 criteria specially developed for boats including eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, waste management and providing ‘green’ information for hirers.

Barbara Greasley of Norfolk Broads Direct said: “For some time a group of environmentally aware people in Norfolk has been campaigning for a greener option for boating.  The members of this Eco Boat Project in close partnership with Broads Tourism, the Broads Authority and the Green Tourism Business Scheme have been working to produce a set of grading criteria for Water Based Activity Providers. Norfolk Broads Direct is delighted to have been consulted on these criteria and we feel honoured that we will be the first business in the country to go through this grading process.  As chair of Broads Tourism I believe that hosting the official launch of the scheme and having the first green graded boats in the country will be a tremendous coup for the Broads.  Broads Tourism will certainly be promoting take-up of the scheme to all of our members.”

Bruce Hanson of the Broads Authority commented: “Sustainability is of great importance to the Broads as a destination and it is our aim to be seen as ‘green leaders’ in the tourism industry. The boating sector here generates at least £95m in revenue annually – accounting for almost a quarter of total tourism spend in the Broads. This Green Mark will allow us to highlight our ‘guaranteed green’ environmental credentials to the marketplace with confidence.”

The hire cruiser being assessed, Fair Sovereign, has a low wash hull and its engine meets the current EU Stage 3 emissions requirements.  Water is heated as a byproduct of the engine cooling and the majority of lighting is provided by LED bulbs. Norfolk Broads Direct sends customers information about the impact of phosphates on water quality prior to their arrival and advises them to use phosphate free toiletries and washing up liquid, as well as stocking some for purchase.

Andrea Nicholas, managing director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme added: ‘‘The environmental challenges faced by a boat operator differ from those faced by hotels and other tourism providers and the GTBS is keen to help the sector showcase its green-mindedness through these new bespoke criteria.’

The Green Mark scheme in the Broads has been funded with money from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the STEP Interreg Two Seas Programme which promotes sustainable tourism in estuarine parks.

Princess 30S

I Surveyed this Princess Motor Cruiser at St Olaves near Beccles today on the South Broads.

Princess Motor Yacht Sales are one of the largest boat trader and distributors in the world for the Princess range of luxury motoryachts. They have been a boat trader specialising in the Princess marque since 1964. This unique historical relationship with the Princess manufacturer, Princess Yachts International plc (formerly known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd), gives us an unparalleled understanding of the requirements of today's discerning motoryacht buyer. Starting from the first boat, the Project 31, built in 1965 by the then Marine Projects, through to the current models from the hugely popular Princess Range, built by the now Princess Yachts International PLC.

On the 'hard' at Anglia Yacht Brokers

This Bernard Olensinski design is still a modern looking craft.
Originally built in 1980 the S model was known as Saloon, the DS deck saloon, giving the craft extra berthing within the wheelhouse. The S model was usually an open cockpit design with 4 berths. There were also some Fly Bridge models built.

The boat hull with its semi deep V hull has a good reputation for its sea keeping qualities. All craft were out driven with single and twin petrol and diesel versions available. This one has the 145HP Volvo petrols on sterndrives. Marine projects built around 900 of the craft and claim top speeds of around 25 knots.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Sealine S25

I had the morning at Brooms Boats in Brundall today Surveying this Sealine S25 for prepurchase.

Washing down the hull at Brooms Boats

Sealine International Ltd is one of the premier marques in Luxury Flybridge Yacht manufacture. I believe the S23, S230, S24, S240 to be the same boat but the S25 had a more modern, less blobby shape with also a diesel option. Excellent family boat and towable behind a good 4x4.

The usuaul show of new and brokerage boats at Brooms..........

A 450 model

Up for Sale. How would you like a Broom 50.... a snip at £300.000 sterling....

A new Broom 425 sat on the slipway

 steventruss1@aol.com
Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:

Broads Authority seeks new members for Navigation Committee

The Broads Authority is inviting people to apply to be members of its Navigation Committee.

 
The Authority will be consulting with relevant stakeholders and seeking applications from members of the public to serve on the committee for a period of three years from September 2011, following the expiry of the term of appointment of the existing   members. Eight places are available to be filled.
 
A public advertisement has been placed in the Eastern Daily Press and details can be found on the home page of the Authority’s website. The deadline for applications is June 17 with interviews taking place in July.  After consultation with relevant organisations the appointments will be confirmed by the Broads Authority in September.
 
The 13 strong Navigation Committee has an important scrutiny and advisory role. Five members are selected from amongst Broads Authority members and two of its appointed members go on to sit on the Broads Authority.
 
The selection panel will include leaders from major boating organisations and the Chair of the Broads Authority. Existing members can reapply- see here for more details

Another Walton 24!!

The Walton 24 are an unusual Marc, but ive now Surveyed two in a week!!

Ive found out a bit more about this motor cruiser since my last inspection. The hulls were moulded by Viking Mouldings and then sent to Rosewells Boathouse and fitted out by Walton Marine in Walton on Thames in Surrey.

Viking of Great Dunmow, the builder of the hull, have been prolific builders of canal and river boats since 1971. The majority of their craft are designed for the canals, but many have become popular on the Broads.

Viking Owners Club Click Here....

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Sealine S28

Had a trip out to Brundall today on the South Broads. The Sealine S28 is another example of Sealine's wonderful use of space relative to the overall length. This model manages a very large cockpit and interior with all the luxuries normally associated with much bigger boats.

In the sheds at Broadland Boat Centre At the rear there is a large bathing platform that incorporates a hot and cold shower and a swimming ladder.

The accommodation on the S28 is second to none for its class. She offers a large galley area incorporating a fridge freezer
and full washing up Facilities! The forward area of the saloon features a large u shaped seating area that in the evenings creates a large double
berth. The aft cabin again features a large double berth. Located between the two sleeping areas is the toilet and shower area. This features a full toilet and hot and cold shower

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Walton 24 Motor Cruiser

I was Surveying this unusual little boat at Moonfleet Marine in Stalham today. I have Surveyed her before back in 2004.… how time flys! I don’t know to much about this mark.. i think it is a Viking hull fitted out by Walton Marine.. but that’s a guess! Great little starter boat, small diesel engine, nice and simple.....


Ready for 'haul out'



Phil 'chocking off'

Beautiful Thames Cruiser in the sheds at Moonfleet... they like thier wooden boats

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com

Freeman 23

A nice short trip today.... 2 miles from home!

The Freeman 23 developed from the Freeman 22 Mk1 and 22 Mk2, with slightly squarer lines, particularily around the fore cabin. Noteably there is no step in the deck, of the extra foot - 3" went into the toilet compartment allowing the loo to be mounted bow to stern. The remaining 9" went into the cockpit area for summer cruising.

Another sunny day at Sutton Staithe near Stalham

Turning the boat around for lifting out

The boats were fitted with a number of engine options from new. This model could of been fitted with one of the following engines depending on the original order.

Example Engines

WaterMota Sea Wolf Crossflow (Standard) with J-Type Gearbox, Perkins 4.108......... this one had the Watermotor petrol inboard.

Just next door... one of my local pubs Sutton Staithe Hotel