BEAR ESSENTIALS The Newsletter of : -
IWA Warwickshire Branch Issue No. 43 – August 2015.
An Ill-wind Over The Avon?
Originally I was rather sceptical about the launch of CRT - reluctantly accepting that it was a ‘least-worse’ solution. Today I am pleased to say that time has proved me wrong. Although my change of mind has been growing for a couple of years, final confirmation came this summer after spending several weeks on the River Thames. This ‘Royal River’ always used to be the jewel in the inland waterways crown. Today it is still a great place, but frankly its gloss has faded. Even more worryingly, the omens are not good.
Oops !
Photo by Dennis Stinton.
Crop-sprayers may seem ‘at home’ in fields of wheat, but on public th roads they look ‘unsteady on their feet’. On Tuesday June 9 one such machine was blithely bouncing its way across Bidford Bridge when it ‘over-reached’ itself and came into contact with the 600 yearold listed structure. The result of this unfortunate action is graphically illustrated here above; and the problems that it created for Bidford’s residents - and particularly for its local businesses - cannot be overstressed. The town needs not just our sympathy, but our support. Fortunately, the navigation has not really been affected. However, there is yet more we can be grateful for ….. ANT is now working with the contractor undertaking the repairs. Photo by ANT.
Not only has the Trust been engaged to salvage the fallen masonry from the river, but also to clear the navigation channel in the vicinity of the bridge. Although this is primarily to enable more efficient workboat operation throughout the rebuild period, the legacy will be an improved through-navigation at Bidford well into the future. So, ultimately, this unfortunate accident will turn out to have been far from an ‘ill-wind’ after-all.
If you think that CRT has ‘dredge-nveg’ problems (which it has) then try the Thames above Oxford. I‘ve never seen so many buoys marking off shallows – often directly opposite overhanging trees on the other bank. In some places this combination reduces the navigable channel to ¼ width, and on bends and in moving water, here are incidents just waiting to happen. Unlike CRT, EA doesn’t appear to have the plans (or the resources) to tackle this problem. Although EA does use volunteer lock - keepers at many of its locks, it does not appear to extend volunteering to other bank-side activities. On the upper reaches, Himalayan Balsam is starting to appear, and as we know from CRT waters, if it isn’t ‘nipped in the bud’ the problem will just grow. I’ve always thought that the two main constituents of luck are: First, vision – an ability to perceive opportunities, and then courage – the ability to seize those opportunities. By this definition I think that CRT is a very ‘lucky’ organisation. First Robin Evans and Tony Hales provided the vision; and now – in Richard Parry CEO, and Allan Leighton Chairman designate - I think that CRT has leaders with that second attribute. Following this summer’s experience, I know which organisation I’d rather give my license money to. Editor:
Ian Fletcher.