English Nature News
| Published: 10th October 2006 13:21 |
The Waterways Trust and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) are pleased to announce the finalists for the Waterways Renaissance Awards 2005. The Waterways Renaissance Awards aim to recognise and encourage best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK.
John Craven OBE, presenter of BBC1’s Countryfile, said: “Up and down the country, our inland waterways are being brought back to life and flourishing in a way not seen for over two centuries. This is bringing huge benefits to people in terms of enjoyment, education and economic prosperity. The benefits to the natural environment are also considerable as the renewal of our canals and rivers provides new habitats for wildlife and corridors for their expansion."
In recognising best practice in waterway regeneration, the Waterways Renaissance Awards are encouraging others to emulate the excellence of the projects that have made it to the finals. I wish all the finalists of the 2005 awards the very best of luck and look forward to meeting them on 16 March.”
The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of the Waterways Trust.
Roger Hanbury said: “The Waterways Renaissance Awards are now well established and, judging by the standard of the entries this year, waterway regeneration is continuing apace. The judging panel has had a good field of candidates to consider and we have been impressed by the high quality of the entries.
Whoever the winners are on the night, these finalists can be justly proud of the contribution they have made to the renaissance of our waterways in improving the quality of life for people and local communities.”
Fradley Pool Nature Reserve lies in the heart of the West Midlands near Burton-Upon-Trent and Lichfield, on the junction of the Trent and Mersey/ Coventry canals. The project, led by British Waterways, covers some 3.5 hectares around an unused reservoir, providing a high quality wetland reserve for both the local community and visitors to enjoy. The scheme was designed to include many partners including local schools, AWG, Lichfield District Council and BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.)
The centrepiece for the project is a bird hide, the design and construction of which employed traditional crafts, contemporary design, artwork and prefabrication methods. A new boardwalk, to enable access for visitors, both able-bodied and disabled, encircles the reservoir. There has been a creative and careful selection of materials, for example, the ‘timber’ used on the boardwalk is actually recycled plastic that is rot-resistant, non-slip and recyclable.
Contact details:
Will Burnish
British Waterways, Peels Wharf, Lichfield Street,
Fazeley, Tamworth B76 3 QZ
Tel: 01827 252 004
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