Broads Authority's reed cutting revival success short-listed for award
The Broads Authority’s revival of the Broads reed and sedge cutting industry has been short-listed for the RTPI Planning Awards 2005 in the rural areas and natural environment category.
The Authority has worked with the reed and sedge cutters over the last three years to turn around the fortunes of the traditional Broads industry after several decades of serious decline.
The Authority has encouraged reed and sedge cutters, who traditionally work in isolation, to take the radical step of forming the Broads Reed and Sedge Cutters Association which has given them a single voice. The Authority has also unleashed substantial funding for new machinery, training and a website. With the prospect of a more promising future two new reed and sedge cutters have taken up the trade.
The Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund provided £67,400 for the project over the last 2½ years which was matched by £57,000 from the Broads and Rivers LEADER + programme.
The money has been used to buy new machinery which members pay to use. The payments are accumulated and will be used to fund replacement machinery, so ensuring reed cutters are self sufficient with a sustainable future.
The reed and sedge cutters receive training in countryside management skills, allowing them to take out-of-season work in lean periods. The Authority has persuaded landowners and managers to reduce or drop royalty payments for cutting reed and plans to work with the East Anglia Master Thatchers Association to ensure a ready market.
The project has resulted in reedbeds being restored and reed being cut commercially on some sites for the first time in many years.
Gillian Morgan, Director of Planning and Development said:
“We are delighted that this innovative project has been recognised in this way. It is just one example of how the Broads Authority works to contribute to rural revival. It has far reaching consequences right across the board from regenerating the rural economy and enhancing quality of life to preserving the Broads landscape and wildlife habitats and maintaining the character of local buildings. “This project illustrates how ecologists, building conservation officers, landscape architects and planners can successfully pool their expertise and work together with landowners. “Association members have been pleased that for the first time they have been asked to comment on issues that could affect them – like the targeting of reed bed restoration and design of flood alleviation works.”
The Broads Authority’s project has enabled 36 year-old Billy Burgess, who was twice made redundant after factory and shipyard closures in Great Yarmouth, to start a new life as a reed and sedge cutter.
“I wouldn’t be here without this funding because I couldn’t afford to establish a business myself,” said Billy, who is married with two children. "The Broads Authority and LEADER+ have given me a fresh start.”
Notes to Editors: The awards will be announced on February 2nd at a high profile presentation in London.
For further information contact: Hilary Franzen, Press Officer, on 01603 610734; mob: 07775 563030; email: hilary.franzen@broads-authority.gov.uk
For images contact Lisa Treadwell on 01603 610734; email:lisa.Treadwell@broads-authority.gov.uk
25/11/2005
