An Avon micro hydro-electric power scheme

A kayaker negotiates the weir at Burgate, near Fordingbridge

Mr. Pritchard of Kingfisher Cottage near Burgate, Fordingbridge – has applied for planning permission for the Installation of a micro hydro-electric power scheme

The details of the proposals and application can be viewed here:-
http://web01.newforestnpa.gov.uk/Pages3/AcolNetCGI.dcgov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=155639

The proposed location is at the overspill weir and sluices of a former mill race near Burgate. Here the millrace takes a minority of the Avon’s flow on a southward course, while the remaining (majority) flow passes eastward over a weir and its sluices (pictured above).

The proposal is to site an array of Archimedean screw turbines in a new channel cut immediately north (upstream) of the weir, thus diverting the Avon down to the weir pool and bypassing the original weir itself

I have read through the detailed proposals and applaud Mr. Pritchard for the vision of harnessing alternative power in this way - every opportunity to secure energy through environmentally sustainable and ‘green’ means must be encouraged.

I was, however, surprised and disappointed that the otherwise comprehensive documentation concerning the impact of the proposals (on hydrology, habitat, landscape, fisheries, etc.) failed to consider any possible impact on navigation.

There is a public right of navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of both the Statute of 1664 and by historic use. This is quite apart from the national arguments concerning The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law. (All discussed elsewhere on this site). Landowners who obstruct such passage have a duty to provide a safe portage route

As far as I am able to determine from the documents the only effects that the scheme is likely have for navigation concern reduced water flow over the existing weir and a footbridge over the top of the weir. It is likely that the weir will need to be portaged. Consequently, provision should be made, within the design, to secure an adequate and safe portage route or an alternative route for canoes etc. is considered.

The scheme design incorporates the construction of two additional side channels to southwestern end of turbine chambers - One would incorporate a sluice which would be manually opened to allow floating debris to pass on downstream or to act as a flood relief bypass. In the other, an inclined concrete bed would be formed on which an approved design of Larinier fishpass would be mounted.

Perhaps the design could be modified to allow passage for small water craft, such as canoes and kayaks, along one of these channels. Such modifications in design are likely to prove both practicable and comparatively inexpensive and will mitigate the schemes otherwise negative impact on navigation

Downton To Fordingbridge

 

The Avon, from Castle Hill, looking North towards Woodgreen

The beautiful stretch of river from South Charford to Fordingbridge remains to be documented on this website.

Here, the river meanders though the mill at Breamore, past the escarpment that rises to Godshill enclosure, then west to the A338 at Burgate, back South East through Sandy Balls holiday park and, West again, through Fordingbridge. 

The Avon at Fordingbridge historically played a central role in the life of the town community, and hosted the annual 'Hampshire Henley' regatta.

Today, very few are provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility, beauty and wildlife of the river. 

Living River Survey

The Living River was a £1 million Heritage Lottery funded project that will involve people throughout the River Avon catchment with the conservation of its natural heritage

One of the projects aims was to enhance information and access to the river at over 40 sites across the catchment, working with the communities that live there

For more information about the Living River Project look at a previous post: Here


An online survey, is currently being conducted (by Audiences South) on behalf of the Living River Project. This will inform the final phase of this Natural England programme.


If you are a canoeist, it is very doubtful that you have been affected by the procect - and you certainly won't have benefitted from it - their idea of 'access' is very different from your own.

However, the survey only takes a few minutes to complete and there is a comments section at the end where you can make your own feelings know.

They are wanting as many returns as possible by the 6th of August, but it can still be returned after that date.
SURVEY LINK
http://www.amhonline.org.uk/living_river_yr_2b3/livingriverstakeholders.htm

Environment Agency - River Levels on-line

The Environment Agency have launched a new rivers and sea levels on line service: here

The website will include information from 1756 monitoring stations across England and Wales. This will be updated daily and in some cases, when water levels are high, more regularly.

This free service will help people who live in flood warning areas make more informed decisions, as well as being useful for recreational river users like anglers and boaters.

Below shows a screen shot of the tool.

River Avon on the Map

Click on 'View Larger Map' for annotations

View Larger MapDriving Directions

Young paddlers deterred from responsible activity

Four youngsters aged 14 to 17 decided to enjoy a short afternoon paddle on their local river. They were confronted while kayaking on the Avon at Burgate

They were planning to launch above the weir at SU154160, having walked upstream along the bank from the suspension footbridge at Burgate Manor Farm. Before launching they were confronted by a landowner on the opposite bank who told them that it was private property and the river is not navigable. They waited until he had gone then launched above the weir. The landowner reappeared then and repeated his claim that they should not be there, and appeared to make a number of phone calls. He said that the police would be waiting for them at Sandy Balls.

When they paddled over the weir he was angry and used abusive language, continuing to tell them to get off the river.

As they paddled past his house, his wife appeared, also in an angry mood, and shouted at them.

When they reached the footbridge both man and wife were ther and confronted them again. They repeated that they owned the river. The wife said that she was concerned for their safety.

They left the river at the footbridge and walked away along the public footpath.

Fortunately, although shaken, these youngsters still enjoyed their short winter paddle on a beautiful stretch of the river. A very healthy activity that should be encouraged amongst our local youngsters. All were experienced and trained kayakers