Issue - meetings

A representative from Bristol Avon River Trust to address the Panel.

This is a policy development item.

The Chair invited Simon Hunter – Chief Executive of Bristol & Avon River Trust – to speak about the work of the Trust. Mr Hunter explained that the Trust had been running since 2012 and had three strands of work: monitoring and land management; river restoration/flood management and community engagement and education. He explained that the Trust sits under the National Rivers Trust body and has around 60 staff.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Box explained that she was ward Councillor for Chew Valley which had had a lot of problems with flooding. There is no jurisdiction to control agriculture and crop rotation in terms of run off. She asked if the Council or Trust could affect this. Mr Hunter explained he is aware of the issue and believes the solution to be working collaboratively with farmers. It is early days but the Trust is raising awareness of the issue with farmers and helping with access to grants to help with nature based solutions.

Councillor Leach stated that he had spoken to Wessex Water who assured him that, as long as sewage flow does not make things worse, it was all ok. He asked if this is the accepted position for water companies. Mr Hunter said the key is when the spills are happening as when there is less water, spills are more concentrated. It depends on the weather conditions.

In response to a query from Councillor Wait about lobbying for tighter permits, Mr Hunter stated that would be useful to challenge especially in light of the government aims of more housing which means more potential pollution.

There was some discussion around atlantic salmon, re wilding - otters and beavers. Mr Hunter stated that, if the environment/habitat around rivers is improved, this would help.

Councillor Heijltjes asked what BANES can do to support beavers. Mr Hunter explained that buffer strips on rivers across BANES would help and making sure footpaths are protected from dogs.

Councillor Box asked if the Council network/communications links to landowners would be helpful. Mr Hunter stated that it would be helpful as if farms join in a cluster there could be one point of communication with them.

In response to a query from Councillor Box regarding Worcester Fish Gate and Harptree Combe, Mr Hunter stated that he did know of the fish window and referred a project in Keynsham which would involve resculpting the weir. Regarding Harptree Combe, Mr Hunter stated that the charity would love to buy the land but the funding model means it does not own assets.

Councillor Halsall asked if the Trust would work with the Council in terms of creating a safe habitat for beavers. Mr Hunter stated that the Trust is always open to work with others. The officer informed the Panel that there is a huge opportunity in Keynsham park and weir and that a bid is being worked on at the moment.

The Chair thanked Mr Hunter for attending and informing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135