Broads Authority beats dredging target
The Broads Authority has exceeded its target for dredging removal for the second year running by excavating 50,000m³ of sediment---over 10% more mud than planned.
Malthouse Broad and Ranworth Dam were dredged last year for the first time since 1963, improving one of the most popular boating areas on the Broads.
The proximity of the disposal site on the River Bure, opposite Upton Marshes, where 26,000³ m of mud - 8,000 more than expected – was deposited, meant that Malthouse Broad was completed a year early.
The Broad’s owner, Charles Cator, recalled how the broad was last dredged in the winter of 1963 when it froze over and a member of the team used to cycle over the broad to keep the boiler in the steam dredger fired up round the clock.
“You could see mud at low water in the ‘60s,” he said. “So I think we are keeping on top of the dredging quite well now. I always enjoy working with the dredging team. They’re a good bunch and very knowledgeable too.”
Depth has been improved to 1.8 metres at low water bringing the broad back to its required specification, except in the bays and at private moorings where shallower depths can be expected.
Dredging continued upstream of Ludham Bridge on the River Ant to above How Hill to a depth of 1.8 m when 6,000³ metres of mud was removed. Dredging will continue as far as Barton Broad at a later stage.
Shoals and obstacles that were reported at Thurne Mouth after the open regatta at the end of May were removed in time for the Three Rivers Race the following weekend. Willow trees have been cut from the opposite bank. at Thurne Mouth.
In 2008 The Broads Authority took its dredging operation, previously contracted out to May Gurney, in house.
Trudi Wakelin, Director of Waterways, said: “We are delighted that the dredging operation has gone so efficiently this year and we have made inroads into the task ahead. It continues to demonstrate the success of taking the dredging operation in house.”
20/01/10
