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CASE STUDY 10

TITLE: NO STONE UNTERNED!

ISSUE: Managing in a sustainable way the diverse recreational and leisure uses in an area of very high scenic and nature conservation interest.

RESOURCES: Location plan, site plan, photographs of features of conservation interest, newspaper cuttings, photographs of environmental issues, pressures and management solution bubble diagrams, matrix, map with key features and blanks for students use

TASKS: l Identifying the key activities and uses in the Ferrybridge area.l Preparing an information leaflet and/or an interpretive board

for visitors to the area.l Analysing management techniques and developing own

management plan.

ROLE: l Undertaking the role of one of the varied interest groups; visitor / watersport activist / residents / wardens / conservation group.

l Preparation of Management Plan for the area to accommodatediverse uses and interests.

l Potential for role play exercise.

CONFLICTS: l Recreational uses, visitor pressure and fragile areas of nature conservation

ISSUES l Importance of tourism and recreation to economy. INVOLVED: l Multiplicity of uses and activities in the area, commercial

fishing, recreation, leisure / watersports.l Range of identifiable interest groups and local organisations.

OPTIONS: l Options for locating visitor centre.l Choice of future management and priorities for the area.

DECISION: l Decision Making exercise involving reconciling conflicts of use,land and visitor management and the Management Plan Process.

CHESIL BEACH AND THE FLEET - FERRYBRIDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

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CASE STUDY 10

BACKGROUND

This Case Study addresses environmental management issues in the Ferrybridgearea between Weymouth and Portland, so called because it is the crossing pointover the Fleet Lagoon to Portland. The area is part of the 'Isthmus' which joins the'Island' of Portland with the mainland at Weymouth and incorporates part of theChesil Beach, The Fleet and the environs of Portland Harbour.

The Chesil Beach and The Fleet area continues to receive increasing numbers ofvisitors, and in particular, school and student field study groups, coming to studyboth the geomorphology and the recreational and conservation managementissues in the area.

The Management Plan itself was prepared in response to the conflicts of interest andpressures which had become increasingly apparent in an area which was subject tovery little control but which is one of the richest sites of environmental importanceon the Dorset Coastline, but also recognised as being of outstanding importance forwater sports and other recreational uses, notably within nearby Portland Harbour.

The need for management of the area was therefore brought about by a number offactors including:

l The area's very high nature conservation interest, which is reflected by a wide range of national, european and international designations.

l The fact that there was little or no control over activities which did not involve 'development' and so did not need planning permission.

l The presence of 'Common Land' which allows for freedom of access for the public across open land .

l Ownership of land by both the Crown Estate as part of the 'Royal Manor of Portland' and the Ilchester Estate, who own the bed of the Fleet Lagoon.

l The wide range of different activities undertaken in the area by special interest groups, with little regard for and lack of awareness of the impact of their activity on other interests of importance.

l Many organisations with some interest in the area but no one agency taking a leading, coordinating or managing role.


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CASE STUDY 10

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN

The principle aims and objectives of the plan can be summarised as:

l To manage the diverse recreational and leisure pressures in the area so as to minimise their visual impact and most importantly, minimise their impact on the area's internationally recognised nature conservation value.

l To inform and educate visitors about the area's nature conservation status, with a view to achieving greater understanding of the potential conflicts of interest and encouraging users of the area to respect its status and value and to promote a degree of 'self management'.

l To assist with the overall management of the natural features of Chesil Beach and The Fleet.

l To reduce erosion and damage and improve the appearance of the area through a programme of environmental improvements.

l To provide improved interpretation and other facilities for visitors.

The issues addressed in the Ferrybridge Management Plan and which can bewitnessed on site are very much an example of sustainability being addressed atthe local level and which can be compared with issues of a national and global level.


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CASE STUDY 10

THE MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS

SURVEY AND APPRAISALBackground research on the area and its value

On site identification of uses and activities

EXTENSIVE PRELIMINARY CONSULTATIONDiscussions with landowners, users and interest groups

to establish issues, problems and expectations for the future.

IDENTIFY KEY ISSUES, CONFLICTS AND OBJECTIVESConflicts between user groups; aim for reconciliation and compromise

Consensus of opinion on the Way Ahead

PUBLISH MANAGEMENT PLANPublish in draft and re-consult interest groups and Publish Final Plan

PROGRAMME OF ACTIONIdentify clear programme of action for practical management and

improvements on site

IMPLEMENTATIONCarry out works and improvements

REVIEW CONTINUED LIAISON AND FUTURE PLANS Review plan in the light of experience. Talk to user groups to assess

reaction through experience of changes. Discuss plans for future and further improvements in management and on site.

The 'Management Plan Process' which is illustrated in this case study has manyparallels with the 'Geographical Enquiry Process' as it involves the survey andappraisal of an area, the identification of issues, the carrying out of tasks and thereview of what has been done.


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CASE STUDY 10


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FEATURES OF INTEREST

THE FLEET LAGOON

The Fleet is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain, being 13km long and extending fromPortland Harbour to the well known Abbotsbury Swannery. As well as enjoying Siteof Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) status, the Fleet, together with the adjacentChesil Beach, which forms the protective barrier between the lagoon and Lyme Bay,is a EU Special Protection Area, (SPA) and RAMSAR site in recognition of its valueas a bird habitat and wetland. It has also been identified as a 'Candidate SpecialArea of Conservation' under the European Habitats Directive. Although it providesa habitat for a wide range of marine flora and fauna, some unique to this location,it is also of particular importance for wading and migratory birds. Common speciesinclude the Turnstone, Sanderling, Bar Tailed Godwit and flocks of Brent Geese, butrarities have included visiting Ospreys, Kentish Plover and many others.

(A RAMSAR site is a wetland recognised as being internationally important followingthe signing of an international Convention in Ramsar in Iran).

CHESIL BEACH

Although highlighted in every geography textbook, the scale and enormity of the25km length of Chesil Beach can only be fully appreciated by crunching through thepebbles to the top of the crest to view is splendour and the expanse of Lyme Bay tothe West. The Beach's pebbles are naturally graded, increasing in size from west toeast and continually moving with the tides and storms, which also change theBeach's profile.

The Beach is essential for coastal protection being a natural sea defence, hosting awide variety of flora and fauna which have adapted to this stoney habitat. As well asproviding a home for sea campion and carpets of sea pinks, the Beach provides anesting place for one of the largest Little Tern colonies in the South of England, withup to 50 pairs nesting annually, together with 20 or more pairs of Ringed Plovers.Previously subject to attack by predators such as foxes, the nesting birds and theiryoung are now protected in the Spring 24 hours a day by the Warden of the ChesilBank and Fleet Nature Reserve and his team of volunteer "nightwatchmen".

NATURA 2000 MARINE SITES

Natura 2000 is a network of areas designated to conserve natural habitats andspecies of wildlife which are rare, endangered or vulnerable in the EuropeanCommunity. The Natura 2000 network includes two types of area, Special Areas ofConservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), some areas being both.


CASE STUDY 10


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Chesil Beach and The Fleet are now a Candidate Special Area of Conservation,(SAC), under the EU Habitats Directive 1996 and 'Natura 2000' Programme.The Fleet is the largest example of a lagoonal habitat in England and is bordered bythe shingle barrier beach of Chesil bank. It has the greatest diversity of habitatsand species of all lagoons in the UK and marine inverterbrates and algae areextremely diverse.

This imposes increased requirements upon the owners, the Local Planning Authorityand English Nature as the statutory government nature conservation body and otherresponsible bodies, to ensure that the area is properly managed to maintain theenvironmental quality of the SAC. The more commercial use of the former PortlandNaval Base and Portland Harbour brings with it the potential for a change in thenature of activities within the port and harbour areas, which could impact upon thewater qualities of The Fleet.

It is important therefore that management schemes are prepared for these valuablemarine habitat sites. Operations which may cause deterioration or disturbance to theconservation features of value on the site may be subject to restrictions under amanagement scheme. The overall purpose of the Natura 2000 network as far as themarine sites is concerned is to enable the habitats to be maintained in a"Favourable Condition" or where appropriate, restored to a favourable conservationstatus over their natural range. A SAC Management Group has therefore beenestablished as required by the EU regulations to examine all issues relating to theconservation value of The Fleet and Chesil area. Part of this process is the preparation of a list of activities which could be potentially damaging and the consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of SAC designation. A summaryof these is included within this Case Study.

THE HAMM

Running parallel to Chesil Beach and the main A354, which forms Portland's onlyroad link to the mainland, is the Hamm, a narrow strip of rough, low-lying grasslandand shingle beach which is SSSI, renowned for its flora and intertidal marinespecies. Being Common Land, public access is freely available and this has broughtwith it problems of severe erosion which has resulted in numerous tracks created bypedestrians crossing from the main car park, many of whom are sailboarders,attracted to the comparatively sheltered waters of Portland Harbour and theprevailing South Westerly winds that increase in speed when blowing across ChesilBeach, which effectively acts as a aerofoil. (Plan 1 illustrates these areas ofinterest).

CASE STUDY 10

PLAN 1

THE FLEET LAGOON

RAMSAR SITE

SSSI

SPA

SAC

LYMEBAY

CHESILBEACH

PORTLANDHARBOUR

THEHAMM

BEACH

BOARDWALKS

FOO

TWAY

CARPARK

TOPORTLAND

CHESILBEACHVISITORCENTRE

TO WEYMOUTH FERRYBRIDGE

BOATYARD


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Reproduced with the kind permission of Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright NC/1308/00

CASE STUDY 10


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CASE STUDY 10

Candidate Special Area of Conservation -EU Habitats Directive

Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Designation

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Statutory protection and habitat conservation

Grant aid possibilities

Awareness raising of conservation value with

statutory authorities and the public

Promotes research and good management

practice

Information gathering excercise

Greater weight in planning decisions

Cooperation between agencies

Production of habitat management plan

Input of resources

-finance

-manpower

Raises environmental image of the area

Extra bureaucracy - management plan

required

Possible EU role in decision making; loss of

local control

Extra management costs

-financial

-manpower

Constraint on development of adjacent land

Constraint on water based operations in

harbour

Additional infrastructure / protection measures

required

Increased visitor pressure from general and

specialist groups

‘Percieved’ Constraint inhibiting economic

development and expansion of commercial

activities around Portland Harbour


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CASE STUDY 10

THE PRESSURES

The pressures which the Ferrybridge area has to accommodate are diverse and arepresent to different degrees throughout much of the year.

They can be summarised as follows:

l 100,000-150,000 visitors per annum.The purpose of visits to the area is wide ranging from local people 'walking the dog', to those engaged in specialist sports or activities.

l Sailboarding/windsurfing with national and international competitions.Portland Harbour is renowned for sailboarding because the prevailing wind is from the South West and as it comes over Chesil Beach it increases in speed. However Chesil Beach also protects the Harbour so that the result is that there are high winds in the Harbour but the water remains relatively calm. All windsurfers have to cross the A354 and the grassland on the Hamm, where boardwalks aim to channel the visitor pressure.

l Boating and canoeing.This takes place within the Fleet but is limited to small craft due to the height ofthe Ferrybridge. Numbers are monitored in order to minimise disturbance to feeding and nesting birds. Sailboarding is not permitted in the Fleet.

l Bait digging on the intertidal muds of Fleet at low tide.This is undertaken by recreational fishermen and if kept to a modest scale can be accommodated. However, the fishermen's bait is also food to the wading birds but equally importantly, the waders will not feed if disturbed and the time available is limited to when the sandflats are exposed at low tide.

l Fishing/angling off Chesil Beach which hosts national competitions.Large numbers of fishermen use the Beach at particular times of the year, which can lead to problems of litter and the potential for disturbance to the nesting terns.

l Diving in the Harbour and part of Lyme Bay known locally as 'Deadman's Bay'! The area provides access to some of the best dive sites in the locality, all adding to the pressure of trampling on the fragile environment of the Beach and the Hamm.

l Swimming and general recreational visits to 'see the Beach'.Swimming in the Harbour is perceived by some to be less easy and less safe due to the large number of sailboarders, their proximity of the shore and in some cases, their speed.

l Educational field study visits; an increasingly significant activity.An activity which is being positively encouraged both to inform people about


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CASE STUDY 10

the natural environment of the area as well as some of the less obvious problems being faced in managing the pressures on the area. It is hoped that the field visits will encourage students and teachers to return to the area on holiday.

l Birdwatching, particularly in Spring and Autumn.The Fleet is one of a number of important birdwatching areas in the Weymouth and Portland area, particularly in the Spring and Autumn when large numbers ofmigrating birds pass through the area, some stopping to rest and feed near the Fleet.

l Oyster Farming in the high quality waters of the Fleet and Portland Harbour.The introduction of shellfish farming on a commercial scale into the Fleet hasto be carefully controlled. Some concern has been expressed about the introduction of non-native, Pacific Oysters into the Fleet and the problems this

might cause. To date these seem unfounded.

l Pressure of 'off road' 4 wheeled drive vehicles and scrambler bikes on the grassland and Chesil Beach.Such activities were a major problem causing severe damage to the Beach and its flora and fauna. This has been stopped through the provision of large stone blocks to prevent vehicles driving out of the car park and up onto the Beach.

l Potential Oil Spillage from Portland HarbourThe waters of the Fleet flow in and out of the Harbour and so can be affected by any spillage of oil or other pollutants. The commercialisation of the former Portland Naval Base and Air Station emphasises the need for protection measures.

l Boat Maintenance and Repair ActivitiesThe presence of the boatyard adjacent to the entrance to the Fleet at Ferrybridge poses potential problems associated with maintaining and repairing boats and engines, which requires vigilance and quick action in the event of a problem and highlights the importance of on-site wardening.

l Ministry of Defence Activity in the FleetFurther up the Fleet to the west is a Royal Engineers Training Camp. Such uses all add to the possibility of accident or damage which could affect the Fleet's fragile environment and which have to be monitored.

Viewpoint; Local Planner

Some of these activities bring significant numbers of visitors with resultingeconomic benefits to the area and the need to accommodate them and allow fortheir expansion where possible, is entirely compatible with the strategy of developing "Sustainable Tourism" for Portland. This is a factor of increasing importance in view of the need to regenerate and diversify Portland's economy following the closures of the Naval Base and other MOD sites on the Island and theresulting job losses.


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CASE STUDY 10

Ferrybridge area Chesil Beach / The Fleet and Portland Harbour.

The Little Terns nest on ChesilBeach and require protectionfrom predators.

Chesil Beach is renownedinternationally for sea angling.

Portland Harbour is renowned for sailboarding. Most visitors use ChesilBeach Car Park to cross the Hamm grassland.

Bait digging - whilst not acommercial activity - candisturb waders who haveto feed on the mudflats atlow tide.

Erosion of the Hamm. There weretwenty of these tracks acrossgrassland which is SSSI.

The former wardens ‘hut’; atemporary portacabin clad inwood - a sight for sore eyes!?

The previous take-away foodtrailer. In keeping with the localenvironment?

Some species haveadapted to live in thisstony, salty environment.

A carpet of thrift- Sea pinks- forms a spectacular sightin Spring.


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CASE STUDY 10

THE PRESSURES

OysterFarming in

the Grade Awaters of the

Fleet and PortlandHarbour

100,000-150,000visitors

per annum

Boatmaintenance

and repairactivities

Diving in theHarbour and part

of Lyme Bayknown locally as‘Deadman’s Bay’

Sailboarding /Windsurfing with

Nationaland

InternationalCompetitions

Educational field study visits;an increasing

significantactivity

Pressure of‘off road’ 4

wheeled drivevehicles and

scrambler bikes on the grassland

and Chesil Beach

Fishing /Angling off

Chesil Beachwhich hosts

NationalCompetitions

Bait diggingon the

intertidal muds of Fleet

at low tide

Boatingand

Canoeing

Ministryof Defence

activity in theFleet

Potentialoil spillage

fromPortlandHarbour

Birdwatching

particularlyin Spring

andAutumn

Swimmingand generalrecreational

visits to‘see theBeach’


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THE PLAYERS

The area is one in which a large number of organisations had some interests butwas one where no single organisation was taking the lead. However as mightbe expected in such an area, a broad partnership has now been established todevelop management policies, be involved in the decision making process andthe programme of action which is being implemented.

CASE STUDY 10

LOCAL

AUTHORITIES

CONSERVATION

GROUPS

LAND OWNERS

& INTERESTS

RECREATIONAL

& COMMERCIAL

INTERESTS

HeritageCoast &

CountrysideService,

Dorset CC

RoyalSociety for the

Protectionof Birds

DorsetWildlifeTrust

EnglishNature

MarineConservation

SocietyBritish

Trust forConservation

Volunteers

ChesilBeach andthe Fleetnaturereserve

PortlandHarbourMaster

CourtLeet of

the RoyalManor ofPortland

IlchesterEstate

CrownEstate

LocalBusinesses/Commercial

Organis-ations

RecreationalUser

Groups Weymouth & Portland

BCPlanning

andCar Parks

The main players involved in

the project have been:

And with close liaison and

involvement of:

And involving consultation with:

with close involvementand co-operation of:


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CASE STUDY 10

IMPLEMENTATION AND ACTION

The Management Plan has been very much action orientated with a view to achieving improvements on the ground. With this in mind, specific projects undertaken have included the following:

l The provision of three boardwalks across the Hamm to direct pedestrians to the shore of Portland Harbour.

l Provision of an earth bund, which has been allowed to recolonise with plants from the locality and adjacent footway segregated from, but within the car park alongside the road frontage, with 3 exit points opposite the boardwalks to directpedestrians and sailboarders, thereby improving road safety by limiting the crossing points over the main road, the A354. This has also reduced the number of tracks across the Hamm from 20, which had developed as a resultof indiscriminate crossing, to three.

l Removal of concrete and pipe railings around part of the car park and their replacement with wooden posts and large blocks of Portland Stone from the Island and put in place to prevent 4x4 vehicles going on to Chesil Beach .

l Most significantly, the removal of the old public toilets and its holding tank whichhad the potential to overflow into the Fleet; the removal of a mobile 'take away' caravan and the removal of a wooden clad portacabin which had acted as a base and part time office for the Warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve, who is employed by the Ilchester Estate, the owners of the Fleet and the Swannery at Abbotsbury.

l The construction of a new Visitor Centre, jointly funded by the Crown Estate and the Borough Council with assistance from the Court Leet and the Ilchester Estate. The Centre incorporates new toilets, a cafe outlet, a permanent office for the Warden and for the first time, a display room within the building which overlooks both Chesil Beach and the Fleet, which has been fitted out as a visitor information and interpretation area with interactive displays.

All of this work has led to changes in the management of the car park, which hasresulted in its transition from what might be described as a 'Municipal Car Park'with its concrete posts, a large number of signs and poor quality public toilets, toone which is now more appropriate to an area subject to 'Countryside Management'.Another important factor about the area is that; being Common Land and essentiallyan open area of SSSI status, the success of the project can partly be met bywhat is not present rather than what is present. The aim has been to introduceappropriate management without impacting upon and changing the character of thearea in a detrimental way.


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CASE STUDY 10

The shore of PortlandHarbour acts as a localbeach and alternative tobusy Weymouth.

Large blocks of PortlandStone - local materials nowdefine the edge of the carpark.

Three boardwalks nowchannel people acrossthe Hamm and helpreduce erosion.

The new Chesil Beach Centre providestoilets, a snack bar, outdoor seating, aproper office for the warden, aninformation and interpretation area and

display for visitors.

Waders‘feeding’through themudflats ofthe Fleet.

Tourist informationleaflet The geology of Portland

Stone, recreated as if ina quarry.

An earth bank, wooden railings andfootway prevent people crossing theroad where they like and channelthem to crossing points and board-walks

The road crossing pointslink to the boardwalk andhelp improve road safetyby limiting the crossingpoints over the busy fastroad to Portland

The area is afocus for thosewho enjoywatersports.

Four-wheeldrive vehiclescausedextensivedamage tograssland and shingle on thefringe of Chesil beach.


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CASE STUDY 10

CHESIL BEACH CENTRE

The provision of the Royal Manor of Portland 'Chesil Beach Visitor Centre' represents a significant achievement in the implementation of the FerrybridgeManagement Plan. The environmental assets of the area have been brought to lifewithin the building by creating an exciting display involving the complete painting ofthe walls and ceilings to depict the natural history and other interests in this diverseand fascinating place.

The unique atmosphere is captured through the wall and ceiling murals and also athree dimensional model of Chesil Beach, an audio presentation and models ofwading birds 'feeding' through the ceiling of the Centre, representing the mudflats ofThe Fleet. This is complemented by a re-creation of the geological series of thePortland Stone using its famous Jurassic Limestone, an interactive touch screen withdetailed information about the Reserve and Portland. Most recently, the installationof a 'live video link' with a camera overlooking the Little Tern's nesting sites adds tothe features of interest in the Centre.

In employing these interpretative techniques the aim has been to inform and educate the many visitors to the area and to communicate the management objectives for the Chesil Beach and The Fleet in a very visual but effective manner.However there are many other ideas which can be explored and discussed as partof the work on this Case Study.The Visitor Centre now acts as a focus for all visitors to the area and through theReserve's Warden, provides a permanent and full time presence in the area, whichhas been the single most effective means of improving on-site management andensuring that incompatible activities do not take hold.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PLAN

In its locality the implementation of the Management Plan can claim to have had anumber of successes, which can be summarised :

l The awareness of the area's very high nature conservation interest has been raised considerably.

l The Ferrybridge area is now a 'place to visit' rather than a place to be passed through, for locals as well as visitors.

l The Plan provided a focus and a framework for action by a range of interested parties.

l Erosion is now being controlled if not entirely eliminated.

l Tangible environmental improvements have been achieved.


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CASE STUDY 10


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CASE STUDY 10


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CASE STUDY 10

l There is now full time on-site management by a Warden and a long term commitment by the Ilchester and Crown Estates as well as the Borough Councilto the maintenance and protection of this valuable area.

l There is increased local awareness of the area's nature conservation interest, afactor which has helped in the maintenance and expansion of a team of local volunteers who provide invaluable assistance to the Warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve.

l The exercise has demonstrated that with multi-agency cooperation and a willingness to be positive, achievements can be made, notwithstanding the fact that some partners may not feel that their ideal objectives have been met.

However the most important factor is that all visitors now have the opportunity to bebetter informed and to better appreciate the value of the area which in turn meansthat there is increased protection for the nature conservation value of the area.

LESSONS FOR OTHER AREAS

The approach adopted in the Ferrybridge area and many of the projects carriedout could equally be undertaken in other locations where similar pressures andmanagement issues arise. This Case Study provides a basis for such issues to beexamined in the students' local area To assist with this, it is helpful to consider whatlessons may be applied and these can be summarised as follows:

l Managing what appears at the outset to be unmanageable, is possible

l Commitment of time and resources, both in manpower and finance is essential

l There is a need to establish relations with and between numerous groups withpotentially conflicting interests.

l The importance of the role of a coordinator to help establish a consensus needs to be recognised from the outset

l Stick to overall objectives agreed at the outset of the project but be prepared to be flexible to reflect changes and minimise/resolve conflicts

l Lobby hard for contributions and sell the benefits of being involved to different interest groups

l 'Nothing Succeeds Like Success'; encourage wider involvement once early successes in the project can be demonstrated.


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CASE STUDY 10

The Little Tern is a nationally rare bird

with only about 2000 pairs in the UK. Watching the Little Tern,

we can learn about the aerodynamics of birds as it plunges into the Fleet to catch fish,

chases off predators and flies in tandem with its mate. We can also learn about their migration

to Africa in winter and how they relate to others animals. Fishermen watch the Tern to find shoals

of mackerel as they both feed on the same foodsource - whitebait. Visitors to Chesil Beach are thrilled to

see this rare and beautiful bird - a sign that this is a wild place where nature still thrives. The Little Tern is only

one of many species which are becoming scarce and which need protection. Every time a species becomes

extinct, there is a loss in biodiversity. At present the extinction of species is taking place faster than at any time

during the earth's history, mainly as a result of population growth, exploitation and misuse of natural

environment. The natural world has been of tremendous value to man and it can continue to do so without

damage provided it is done in a sustainable manner leaving resources and diversity of species for

future generations. The protection of the flora and fauna of Chesil Beach and the Fleet

contributes in a small-way to the protection of important and threatened species.

It is a practical example of the idea that we should all

"Think Global - Act Local".

Why bother with all

this conservation, what's it for and

why is it important to protect the plants

on the beach and the marine

life in the Fleet?


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CASE STUDY 10

QUESTIONS AND TASKS

l Identify the key activities, pressures and uses in the Ferrybridge area, completing the bubble diagram provided.

l How might these conflict with each other; prepare an interactive matrix to illustrate them.

l Identify the features of interest in the Ferrybridge Area and the best location for a visitor centre on the plan provided and indicate what features you would incorporate within the centre.

l Based on the information provided, prepare an information leaflet or an interpretive board for visitors to the area.

l Why are environments like Chesil Beach and The Fleet considered to be important and why do they need to be managed?

l Prepare a report as the warden of the Nature Reserve advising the Borough Council on how the existing management of the area could be changed or improved.

l How could the ideas for managing sensitive environments such as Chesil Beach and the Fleet be used at another location with which you are familiar.

ADDITIONAL STUDENT TASKS

An Impact Matrix is included, which enables students to identify the potential impactof a series of land and water based activities and other factors on the following features on interest:

l Fleet Lagoon

l Chesil Beach Shingle

l Water Quality

l Intertidal Flats

l Bird Populations

A system of scoring impacts from negative -2 to positive +2 is suggested. Blank andcompleted charts are also provided for students to complete on the Advantages andDisadvantages of the Special Area of Conservation designation, taking account of theviewpoints of different interest groups, which could include the Reserve Warden, LocalResidents, the Portland Harbour Authority, Local Planning Authority, English Nature etc.

This should assist in understanding the complexity of different issues in the area andthe close interrelationships between commercial, recreational and conservationinterests which need to be managed.


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CASE STUDY 10

THE PRESSURES

Boatingand

Canoeing

Birdwatching

particularlyin Spring

andAutumn

OysterFarming in

the Grade Awaters of the

Fleet and PortlandHarbour

Swimmingand generalrecreational

visits to‘see theBeach’


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Continue to complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range.

Complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range

-2 -1 0 +1 +2Negative impact Neutral Positive impact

IMPACTS ON

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

Agricultural Run Off

Roads Building / Operation

Pollutants from Ferrybridge Industries

Shipping in Lyme Bay

Shipping in Portland Harbour

Sewage Discharge from STW/ Pipes

Sailboarding / Sailing

Jet Skiing / Water Skiing

Canoeing

Diving

Dog Walking

Bait Digging

Rod and Line Fishing

Fixed Net Fishing

Mooring

Local Plan Policies

Land Drainage

Licensing of Camping or Caravanning

Rights of Way

CASE STUDY 10

Fleet Chesil Beach Water Intertidal BirdLagoon Shingle Quality Flats Population


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Complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range.

-2 -1 0 +1 +2Negative impact Neutral Positive impact

IMPACTS ON

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

Car Parking

Promotion/Marketing of Area

Recreational Shooting

Tern Fencing

Predator Control

Habitat Management

Educational Visits

Coast Protection

Refuse on the Beach

Army Activities

l Having completed the matrix, summarise the key positive and negative impactsfor each feature of interest.

l Use your results to prepare a priority list of 6 objectives to help manage the ChesilBeach and the Fleet Area.

CASE STUDY 10

Fleet Chesil Beach Water Intertidal BirdLagoon Shingle Quality Flats Population


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CASE STUDY 10


Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Designation

Complete the table of Advantages and Disadvantages of SAC Designation

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES


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CASE STUDY 10

THE ROLE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

The Planner’s role in preparing and implementing the Ferrybridge Management Planwas as follows:

l Identifying the need for a management plan to address the problems in the area.

l Preparing the plan; consulting interest groups; revising the plan.

l Overseeing the implementation of projects set out in the plan to ensure action on the ground.

l Raising money for the projects from a wide range of sources.

l Designing and commissioning the fitting out of the Chesil Beach Centre displays.

l Promoting the construction of the Visitor Centre and ensuring committment of funding from partner organisations.

l Considering the planning application for the Visitor Centre.

l Preparing the Case Study about the project for Educational Field Study Groups.


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