Devon County Council

  

Devon County Council is a partner in an EU Community Initiative, based around the theme of sustainable waterway management.  The project is called Crosscut and is funded through the Interreg IIIb programme.  The aim of the programme is to develop and share best practice between European countries, and within the project Devon County Council has two sites represented: The Grand Western Canal Country Park and The Bude Canal.  

For more information about the Bude Canal, select the PDF files below:

Bude Canal Booklet pg.1 (782KB - pdf help)	Bude Canal Booklet pg.6 (886KB - pdf help)
Bude Canal Booklet pg.2 (730KB - pdf help)	Bude Canal Booklet pg.7 (780KB - pdf help)
Bude Canal Booklet pg.3 (692KB - pdf help)	Bude Canal Booklet pg.8 (884KB - pdf help)
Bude Canal Booklet pg.4 (757KB - pdf help)	Bude Canal Booklet pg.9 (825KB - pdf help)
Bude Canal Booklet pg.5 (709KB - pdf help)	Bude Canal Booklet pg.10 (689KB - pdf help)

Sustainable Dredging and channel protection

The main theme being explored at the Grand Western Canal Country Park relates to sustainable dredging practices.  In particular, we are seeking to

1. Reduce the ‘ecological footprint’ of dredging works

2. Reduce the need for future dredging.  

The first aim will be achieved by careful planning of the works in terms of phasing and locations, and by disposing of dredgings locally on adjacent farmland rather than transporting to landfill sites.

To achieve the second aim we will be installing physical barriers to silt, such as silt traps and buffer strips.  We shall also seek to form partnerships with adjacent landowners, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Environment Agency to find ways of reducing soil erosion and diffuse pollution from neighbouring farmland.  

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Poster (146KB - pdf help)

There is also provision within the project for education materials, interpretation boards and a full time, 3-year ranger position to help deliver the project targets.

International co-operation

The Crosscut project is being led by British Waterways with partners representing waterway management bodies and organisations in England, Wales, Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium.  

Other themes being explored include:

• The development of education programmes and facilities;
• Dealing with polluted dredgings;
• Developing ecologically sound corridor management techniques;
• Improving public access and interpretation;
• Controlling non-native species;
• Studies concerning the European waterway network with regard to recreation.

The transfer of ideas and best practice is being achieved both through the production of reports for the wider waterways community, and through a series of workshops being hosted by several of the partner organisations.  

In November 2003, Devon hosted the first steering group meeting followed by site visits to the Grand Western and Bude canals.

The next meeting was held in Mons, Belgium in May 2004, where issues relating to education, interpretation and community involvement were explored.  Ideas and resources highlighted during these meetings have already been adopted by rangers at the Grand Western Canal Country Park, particularly with regard to education and interpretation initiatives.

For more informatiojn on the Crosscut project, please visit the 'Crosscut Partnership' website.