Project update: 12th August 2016
The Headlines
It’s been a busy few weeks for the Hoveton Project Team. Chris has been busy preparing to go out to tender for the sediment removal works, Cordelia has been working up the comms plan, Rhiannon has become an expert in wetland archaeology and all three have just completed their powerboat training.
Recent Achievements
HLF Monitor Visit
On the hottest day of the year, the Team welcomed our Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) monitor, Claire Thirlwall, to the nature trail. Despite the heat, Claire seemed impressed with the trail and excited about our project plans but pointed out we still have a lot of work to do. We look forward to having her back in the winter when the diggers will be out on the water.
Power Boat Training
Rhiannon, Cordelia and Chris recently completed the RYA Level 2 Powerboat training at Wroxham Broad. The two-day course was expertly run by the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club and our intrepid trio were fortunate to have blue skies and gentle breezes for the majority of their time out on the water. As well as getting to grips with boat handling, the team learnt a lot about health and safety and boating best practice. The training also gave them a chance to meet some of our neighbours, learn more about how they like to enjoy the broads and tell them about our fantastic project. A good time was had by all (and a large number of biscuits were eaten!).
Access and Engagement
Cordelia – or ‘Doo’, as she is appropriately known – has been beavering away developing the project Comms plan, seeking (and getting) Spending Review Panel approval for the new trail signs and ensuring that the improved ferry service out to the trail is appropriately signed
Lake Restoration
Chris has been working hard with Netics and the Defra procurement team to get the documentation ready to go out to tender for the sediment removal capital works contract. Not surprisingly, going out to tender for such a large contract (~£1 million!) and trying to provide every last piece of information that a contractor may require to provide a quote for the work is no easy task. We are happy to report though that the Invitation To Tender (ITT) was published earlier this week and prospective contractors will be invited to attend a site visit in mid-September.
Archaeology
Rhiannon has just completed an intense few days working out on the broad with a team of archaeologists to collect information about the paleoarchaeology of the lake bed. As well as putting her newly-learned boating handing skills into practice, Rhiannon helped with the auguring which involved coring through over 8 m of peat. We look forward to receiving the results in a few weeks’ time. A big thank you to John for helping Rhiannon set up the Jetfloat Pontoons last week.
Current Work
Lake Restoration
The team will be working hard to answer any questions about the lake restoration capital works contract. Health and safety will also be a key consideration over the next few months, as we plan how to carry out the works safely yet efficiently.
Access and Engagement
Cordelia will be continuing to engage with local groups and examine opportunities for greater volunteer involvement in the project.
Finance
Julia is currently having a well-earned couple of weeks off to watch the Olympics before she returns to knock the rest of the Team into financial shape. Her work over the last few months has been excellent and the project is in a vastly improved position thanks to her efforts.
Coming up…
The team are planning a get-together to review how things have gone so far and how we can improve our working practices going forward. The project will also be celebrating the completion of the first year of work – where has the time gone?!