Overview
The Severn Estuary and its wildlife is under threat from a proposal to build an enormous barrage to generate electricity from the Severn s huge tides
The Severn Estuary is one of the largest in Europe and is one of its most important wildlife habitats.
The estuary and the rivers which feed into it contain and support a wealth of wildlife so rich it is considered to be of international importance and is protected by international law. Its saltmarshes and mudflats are used by an average 74,000 birds each winter, its waters support more than 100 fish species and vast numbers of invertebrates. The estuary is a vital migration route for migratory fish, including Atlantic salmon, sea trout and eels.
Large dredging ship passes Burnham-On-Sea as work gets underway at Combwich
Burnham-On-Sea seafront walkers had the unusual sight of this large dredging ship passing the town this week.
It passed Burnham on its way up the River Parrett to Combwich where dredging operations are currently underway at the wharf.
An official Notice To Mariners from Bridgwater Bay Harbour Master Captain Keith Badsey states that plough dredging operations and other related work is being undertaken.
It was ‘Alec D’, a multicat of 16.8m length, that passed Burnham and is currently conducting dredge operations during daylight tides.
A pre-dredge survey has also been conducted by a small open boat launched from Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club, pictured below. The same vessel will conduct a post dredge survey at a date to be confirmed on completion of the dredging.
Plans for £7,000 Burnham-On-Sea seawall art project given boost
Plans for a new seawall art project along part of Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront have been given a boost with an injection of funding and the appointment of a regional arts getting to get involved with managing it.
The Town Council has recently been given £7,000 of funding by Sedgemoor District Council to proceed with the art project on Burnham’s South Esplanade.
Furthermore, at a virtual meeting of the Town Council’s Town Improvements Committee this month, town councillors agreed to appoint regional arts group Seed to help oversee the project.
The proposed artwork on the sea wall would “respond to the local natural environment, celebrating the ecology of this part of Bridgwater Bay. It will depict, describe or interpret an aspect of local wildlife and/or flora in a way that will encourage visitors and the local community to appreciate the value and distinctiveness of the place in a new way.”
THE roar of huge engines overhead, explosions as bombs fall. It sounds like the scene from a frontline battlefield, but in fact, it was a common feature of a quiet spot on the Somerset coast not too long ago. You may not know, but even to this day, the county coastline is home to a bombing practice range. The site, in Bridgwater Bay, is officially known as the Lilstock Royal Navy Range and is where pilots can hone their bomb-dropping skills before entering the battlefield for real. The site assumed huge significance during World War Two, with bombers dropping sand-filled bombs (which only contained a small amount of explosives) to replicate the real thing, for target practice.