victoria woods how did we do it? urban river enhancement scheme improving our rivers for people and...
TRANSCRIPT
Victoria Woods
How did we do it?Urban River Enhancement Scheme
Improving our Rivers for People and Wildlife
What did we want to do? What did we have to start with?
The Action Plan… What we did Legacy of URES…
Urban River Enhancement Scheme
What did we want to do?
Meet the key aims of our funders Physically improve our natural river heritage Engage people in learning about our natural river heritage Engage people in improving our natural river heritage
riversRRT Local Communities
What did we want to do?
Meet the key aims of our funders Physically improve our natural river heritage Engage people in learning about our natural river heritage Engage people in improving our natural river heritage
riversRRT Local Communities?
Energy sink & is not sustainable
What do we wantlonger term?
Communities
Rivers
Both local people and wildlife benefit from developing a positive and life long relationship with their own rivers
How to begin this process?
Communities
Rivers
About the people of Burnley Who is our community? Where are they? What do they currently think of
rivers? What do they want?
RRT
About the rivers in Burnley Surveys (riverine species, EIA,
invasive species, Site surveys) Natural Heritage (geological,
industrial, social, ecological) Restoration options appraisal
Gather information
What did we have?Information…
Hard to find & miss-information in the public domain There is local knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm… Steering group
What did we have?Condition of urban rivers…
Physical barriers Poor quality habitats Difficult access, hidden rivers
What did we have?Communities…
Community events Activities & displays River wildlife Questionnaires
Presentations Pilot activities
Clean-ups & H. balsam Habitat box making Training course in River
Habitat Management
Liked
What did we find out?Communities…
Disliked
What Who Where When How
The Action Plan
Communities
RiversRRT
Accessible activities For people of all ages, abilities, interests and backgrounds
That will also make a real difference…
The Action Plan
Sustainable by design – spiral of intervention Target our effort ‘minimum’ input for ‘maximum’ effect Flexible enough to grow with the momentum of the project
Habitat improvement Burnley Town Centre
Before = fast flowing barrier After = pools & riffles resting places and O2
Habitat improvements Burnley
Divert the river Re-profile the stone ‘sets’
With river heritage information
Combine physical improvements Thompson Park Fish Pass
Riverside renovations– improve the view
Celebrating
Mayor visit MIGC official opening of the new fish pass
With local business Veolia
Corporate Social Responsibility Alternate Thursdays Start at 07.00 Variable number of people and
length of time available Activities successfully carried out:
Clean-ups and balsam clearance Install bird boxes & kingfisher
tunnels Boardwalk construction Renovate railings Landscape preparations Mammal survey
With local groups Challenge Network
Weekends in September Up to 60 young people at a time Plan 6 months in advance
Red Rose Recovery Mid week events Plan at short notice Qualifications, press publicity,
local river action group start up..
With local groups
Love & Etiquette Presents / 03 February 2015
Stories in Stone
Relationships of Rivers in Pakistan and Britain
Workshops exploring the heritage of the River Jhelum and River Brun
SCULPTING STORIES, BURNLEY. 14 to 18 FEBRUARY
Rivers are an integral part of our eco system and very much overlooked today.
Working with Ribble Rivers Trust, we will be supporting a treasure trail to inspire the
local Asian communities to visit the River Brun and inspire a sense of place. Working with
sculptor and artist Adam Williamson participants will share stories and create stone
carvings to reflect memories of Jhelum, Gujarat and Mirpur.
WALK AND TREASURE TRAIL - 14 and 15 February
Join URES on a treasure trail through the River Brun and connect to the water scape of
Burnley. Samosa and Chai will be provided.
3 DAY WORKSHOP - 16, 17 and 18 February
Adam Wiliamson will be teaching traditional stone carving at Swinless Street Community
Centre from 11am to 4pm teaching patterns that are inspired by visits to the River Brun
and local conversations in community settings. Open to all ages.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Free Admission to all sessions and events. *UNMISSABLE*
With Burnley Councilnew footpaths and bridges
along our river Brun Opens new route through woodlands, meadows and
riverside treasure trail
With Burnley Youth TheatreWhen You See Water
800 young people learn about our river heritage through drama
250 young people in carnival performance
Undercurrents
Legacy of URES
Legacy of URES
Legacy of URES – enjoying our rivers will be remembered…
Hidden water everywhere..?
Ref: New Scientist