Posted: May 14, 2024 by Amy Roberts

Canoe Foundation & River Waveney Trust: Navigating Norfolk and Suffolk’s River Waveney Revival

Making waves in Norfolk and Suffolk
Back in spring 2023, The Canoe Foundation granted £3,989 to the River Waveney Trust for their project in Norfolk and Suffolk focused on enhancing sustainable recreational access while protecting the natural environment. As a result of this funding, the River Waveney Trust has been able to address several critical environmental issues, including clearing fallen trees and managing river vegetation, all with careful regard for wildlife and river water quality.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
During the project’s first phase, the River Waveney Trust reviewed locations flagged by River Wardens for fallen trees obstructing the water. The interventions ranged from simple monitoring to large-scale contractor work, depending on the situation’s complexity. In some cases, where the issue was significant, the Environment Agency was notified, and volunteers were employed to assist with smaller obstructions.
Volunteers removing the highly invasive floating pennywort
Tree pinning and removing excess vegetation
Fixing fallen trees to the sides of the bank through a method known as ‘tree pinning’ has proven successful, so that the water can flow freely and there is access for angling and canoeing. This method also serves as an educational opportunity to highlight the importance of maintaining woody material in the river to support a healthy riparian environment.
Another significant focus for the team was addressing excess river vegetation. The overgrowth obstructed the channel and made it inaccessible to river users, so the Trust organised work parties with volunteers to manually remove it. By engaging in this project, local businesses can access sustainable materials, including common club rush. In summer 2023 volunteers, a local thatcher and furniture makers collaborated to harvest the rush. After drying it over the winter, the rush will be used for creating woven seating.
Volunteers removing common club rush
Before: shows the river swamped by grass, preventing light and oxygen from entering the water below. The brown mass in the foreground shows the overturned roots of an alder that have fallen across the channel.
After: the same stretch of water and tree after it’s relocated and pinned to the bank so that the water can flow freely and there is access for angling and canoeing.
Ensuring a wildlife-friendly approach
To ensure future projects continue with minimal environmental impact, the River Waveney Trust coordinated with the Environment Agency to follow a weed-cutting matrix, establishing safety guidelines to avoid risks to wildlife and fish. A summer cutting regime was agreed upon to minimise disturbance to breeding fish and birds. Additionally, a detailed nesting bird survey will be conducted to ensure sensitive areas are left untouched during mechanical cutting.
More funding needed
Despite the success of the project’s initial phase, the River Waveney Trust acknowledges the need for ongoing funding and community support to continue its essential work. From April 2024, the Trust lacks the necessary funding to proceed with this important project. Therefore, they’re seeking an estimated £20,000 annually to maintain and expand their efforts.
A crowdfunding campaign is underway to support this. Please consider making a donation here.
Their hope is that this campaign will generate sufficient funds for 2025 and beyond, allowing them to sustain this important work for the benefit of all who cherish and have formed a deep connection to the river over the years.
Aidan McGuffie, Trustee at the Canoe Foundation says “The Canoe Foundation are excited to support the River Waveney Trust in their efforts to improve access and preserve the river’s biodiversity. Their project demonstrates the positive impact that thoughtful and sustainable approaches can have on recreational access to and environmental conservation of UK rivers.”
As a charity, the Canoe Foundation relies on donations to continue supporting grassroots groups that enhance physical access to paddle sports across the UK. Please consider contributing a one-off or regular donation to the Canoe Foundation. Your support helps ensure sustainable and accessible waterways and coastlines for everyone in the UK. Thank you for being part of our mission to improve places to paddle!

Category: News

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