west weald landscape project conference: arun and rother connections project
DESCRIPTION
Presentation from West Weald Landscape Project Conference 22 May 2014TRANSCRIPT
ARC & The West Weald
What are the Issues?
Fish passage
Development & Planning
River engineering
Future Proofing
Water Resources
Climate change
Disempowerment
Protected landscapesInvasive species
Effective flood management
Loss of natural processes
Urban run off Habitat & Species lossGroundwater exhaustion
Marine
Rural diffuse pollution
Sedimentation
Access & Disabled access
PollutionFragmentation
Working together at a Landscape ScaleIdeas born of inspired partnerships
ARC’s VisionTo engage the community in understanding and
tackling catchment issues in the Arun & Western Rother river valleys and to jointly deliver more sustainable
long-term catchment management.
Image © L Hull
ARC Aims• Promote a rich and thriving river system where
wildlife and people flourish
• Work with others to protect, restore and reconnect wildlife habitat
• Improve water quality and eliminate non-native invasive species
• Better connect the community to the catchment, through access improvements, engagement and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage.
ARC 2012-2013
What will ARC do 2013 – 2016?
Provide expert advice and support (4 staff)
Improve Fish Passage on major river obstructions
Work with Landowners to improve land use / access to grants
Tackle invasive species
Work with communities on water resources, flooding and rain gardens
Engage schools and communities
Restore (wetland) habitats
Encourage more people outdoors, and to get involved
Empower communities to influence and act (River clean ups etc)
Site enhancements
Burton Mill Pond: Access & Disabled Access improvements
Pulborough Brooks: Access, Disabled Access and Education improvements
Chesworth Farm: Community supported river restoration
Waltham Brooks: Access & habitat enhancements
Horsham District Council Sites x 6 in HLS
Amberley Dew Pond: Fencing
South Pond, Midhurst: Donation
Warnham Nature Reserve: Scrape & Access Improvements
Emerald Damselfly © B Rainbow
Habitat Restoration Funding
5 ha Wet heath
2 ha Fen
3 ha + Wet woodland
3 ha Species-rich Floodplain meadow
3 km Chalk stream restoration
1.5 km Ditches
13.5 km River Restoration
10 Ponds (incl. in Minor Enhancements)
Weir removal / Fish passage
Opportunities to join in Guided Walks and Events
Eels in Schools
Forest schools teacher training
Primary education - Schools outreach (minimum 25 schools)
Bushcraft, Canoeing and Angling taster events
Otter and Water vole outreach
Archaeology, Farm & Community Walks
River clean up events
Kids photo competition
Oral History work
Practical task days
Training opportunities
Pond Warden Training
Invasive Species Training
Dragonfly, Water vole & Toad patrol training
Rain Garden workshops
Mink Control workshop
3 x Best practice land management site visits
3 x Land management workshops (tell us what you need)
Workshop on how to access funding (Eco conf)
Other Events & Projects• Ecosystem Services report & conference (24th June 2014)• Community SUDS & Rain Gardens• Water Resources Workshops• Education Rivers pack• Groundwater work
Coming Soon – ARC APP
ARC Funding AvailableCommunity Project Grants
30 x grants up to £300 for :-
SNCI management plans, barn owl boxes, surveys, equipment, training, access
improvements, interpretation, school grounds enhancements
Habitat Enhancement Grants
50 x grants up to £500 for :-
Any work on enhancing and re-connecting species / habitats i.e. hedge & shaw planting,
scrape creation, pond creation, fencing.
Working Together Towards a Healthy and Connected Landscape
Sussex Wetland Landscapes Project
01273 497555
ARC Project Manager
01273 763374