by Colin Nicholson

24 organisations from across the Deben Estuary were represented with 27 attendees discussing issues and suggesting solutions. On this occasion speed was seen as a major focus. 

Following a Covid-related hiatus, The Deben Forum was again convened by the River Deben Association (RDA).  The Deben Forum took place at The Quay Church, Woodbridge with costs borne by the RDA membership.  With the Deben Forum falling within the busy holiday period, it is hoped that even more organisations can be present next time.

 The Deben Forum acts as a useful body to get all the Estuary’s Fairways Committees (amongst other organisations) together in one place to coordinate policy, share experience, increase awareness of other parts of river and share best practice.  An example would be the co-ordination of views on speed limits and an agreement on a buoy scheme to promote low wash which was achieved in just 20 mins at the Deben Forum after months of inactivity.

Colin and Matt

 Led by Colin Nicholson (RDA Co-Chair) and Matt Lis (RDA Business Interests) representatives introduced themselves, their organisation and items of interest/seen as issues leading to a ranking for the subjects of most interest.  Ben Grundy, Chair of the Kyson Fairways Committee and RDA Committee member would also have led discussions but work commitments forced his absence.

Speed of Boats

Frustrations were voiced that The River Deben has no (marine) police and no one with ability to levy fines.  There is little to no signage about the estuary byelaws that do exist (information about which can be found on the RDA website) and no one to keep logs of offenders.  Any existing signage is permanently fixed, e.g. at ends of the delimited areas north of Felixstowe Ferry and opposite Waldringfield.  However, it should be noted that the Waldringfield Harbourmaster correctly takes up the Waldringfield “Go Slow” yellow buoys out of season – the byelaw is applicable between May 1st and September 30^th.

The impact of speed is at least threefold with the main being the DANGER to swimmers who cannot be seen by large boats or fast moving (even 40knots) jet skis.  Other impacts are WASH, leading to degradation of saltmarshes and impact on other river users and, thirdly, NOISE.

Kay Yule (East Suffolk Council) had offered the possibility of making East Suffolk Council (ESC) funding available if there could be agreement on what speed/regulations.  Indeed, an ESC Officer has previously been to John White (Felixstowe Ferry Harbour Master) to discuss the matter.  At the Forum, it was not thought necessary to form a working group to draft changes, (e.g. bring the Deben into line with the 6 knot Orwell speed limit) to the byelaw which would then need to go out for further consultation.  Rather, there was consensus that wash was the fundamental issue, rather than different speeds for different boat types (sailing dinghies can reach speeds in excess of 10 knots). Therefore, focusing on the wash aspect, it was resolved after just a short discussion to request further buoyage, similar to that existing at Waldringfield, (see picture) and thus already trialled in action, with “Slow,” the international “No Wash” sign and the ESC logo (to indicate the authority).  Adding to the richness and local knowledge within the discussions Robert Brinkley offered representatives the opportunity to view original documentation in his possession that sheds light on the decades-old origin of the byelaw’s creation.

New users of the Deben: Jet Skis

Just prior to the Deben Forum, there had been an East Anglian Daily Times article about the arrival of Suffolk Jetski Ltd on the Deben.  The RDA invited representation to the Deben Forum and Daniel and Hanna Mayhew, Directors of Suffolk Jetski Ltd, kindly attended despite the short notice.  The Ramsholt Harbourmaster reported that they had visited Ramsholt the previous Saturday and had a positive discussion about their plans. Many within the Deben Forum were hostile to an introduction of regular jet skis on the estuary as currently limited, ad hoc, use tends to be from Felixstowe Ferry and along the open coast.

The Mayhews took the opportunity of the Deben Forum to explain their plans (starting on The Deben, but expanding the business to The Orwell and North Norfolk in due course).  They said “Suffolk Jetski Ltd instructors are RYA certificated and are not allowed to exceed the speed limits or create excessive wash and must respect nature and other river users.”  Jet skis are, of course, able to travel fast but don’t have to.

The further issue of noise was raised in relation to jet skis and it was explained that there are different types of jet ski and they don’t necessarily have to be noisy.

There are no legal constraints on commercial use of the Deben.  Whether for commercial or non-commercial use, it was felt that the promotion of RYA courses for personal watercraft would be of benefit.

On 12^th August (after the Forum) another modern innovation was seen on The Deben – a hovercraft moving across the silt opposite the Deben Yacht Club, undertaking water quality monitoring for the Environment Agency.  The Environment Agency told the RDA: “This was our planned Deben Estuary opportunistic macroalgae sampling as part of our TraC programme (Transitional and Coastal Waterbodies), and as part of a larger programme of work focussed on the Deben this year. 

Note: Use of hovercraft is limited to window after bird breeding season and before wading bird passage season, we have to get agreement from Natural England. We use a contractor pilot who is highly experienced in this survey method.”

Considerate Behaviour/Safe Use of River

Attendees expressed concerns that wild swimmers in the estuary are in danger if they stray into the channel as larger boats or fast-moving jet skis cannot see them.  With an increase in inexperienced users of the river, the danger of collisions rises, along with the need to understand the dangers of a tidal estuary.  There is a lot of safety/river usage knowledge and information on the Deben Paddlers Facebook site which has 2.8k signed-up Facebook members.  Access is via administrator permission, after answering a few questions. There are now multiple places (including our own RDA website) to obtain similar information which may reach to the majority of river users: for example the Deben Bluetits never have any issues, swimming responsibly.  These are new ways of learning (via internet, rather than traditional teaching/induction at club) for new river users.  For example, Lidl are currently selling blow-up paddleboards to the wider population.  Emma Jennings of Woodbridge Quay kindly offered the use of a noticeboard for river code information at the new Woodbridge Quay Café.

Water Quality / Environmental Pollution

This is an extensive, highly- charged topic and there was little remaining time available for discussion.  The tidal estuary and non-tidal sections of the Deben have become part of the national conversation about how Britain should regulate and treat its effluent.  More people are using the nation’s waterways, and they are often closer to the water if wild swimming, using stand-up paddleboards or kayaks. Pollution levels, previously acceptable or less known in times of more limited monitoring, are now considered unacceptable.

For the Estuary specifically, the Bathing Water Designation (BWD) of Waldringfield in 2023 has required the Environment Agency (EA) to test weekly from May to September (available real-time online Link). Back in 2023, 17 out of 20 results were good/excellent.  But, coinciding with the September 2023 Astronomical High Tide, results were poor to the extent that Waldringfield now averages a “Poor” BWD area overall.  EA microbial analysis of September’s “three samples taken in 2023 showed clear evidence of faecal pollution from seabirds; human signals possibly from non-faecal waste sources e.g., misconnections from washing machines, showers, hand basins and faecal waste sources; possible signal from pigs and clear evidence of dog DNA”

Kay Yule informed the meeting that the number and location of dog-poo bins is managed through requests from local bodies such as Woodbridge Town Council, but locations are dependent on being accessible for emptying.  Colin Nicholson said he would follow-up with the local bodies and the meeting put forward the name of Steve Kench, the new ESC Access Officer as another good place to start.

The Deben Estuary Partnership raised the issue of microplastics within effluent which should also be addressed.

Silt

The Deben Forum heard about Woodbridge & Waldringfield Boatyards’ offer to other impacted businesses, to share, proportionately, the costs of a Marine Management Organisation (MMO) dredging licence.  No-one had taken up the offer, whether for timing or other reasons.  The issue of silt will be referenced in the Deben Estuary Plan, currently being updated.  Members of the Deben Estuary Partnership Steering Group were in attendance.

Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (also present) suggested liaison with the Blackwater Estuary which has similar silting issues to examine the possibility of re-using their strategy.  The National Trust drew attention to their 30yr contract at Northey Island for depositing silt and discussions on making best use of the silt from Melton Boatyard.  Suffolk Wildlife Trust (who were unfortunately unable to attend,) may have an interest in slowing degradation of saltmarsh.

Silt prevents access/rafting-up for visiting sailors at the Town Quay.  The recent visit by Blue Mermaid shows the level of interest within Woodbridge in the sea with approx. 800 visitors on just the Sunday Regatta Day during the Thames Barge’s stopover.  In previous years the Heritage Boats and Shuck Shellfish Festivals (2017 and 2018) have proved popular.  However, the current 1 1/2hrs tidal window is too limiting for routine use and desilting might open the window up to 3hrs +/- HW.

Renewed discussion with Woodbridge Town Council should be undertaken to ascertain their current interest in being a coastal destination with the extra dimension to “Choose Woodbridge” that that would bring.  There are already many visiting yachts, mostly from the Netherlands and Belgium, that make use of the Tidemill Yacht Harbour marina and crews frequent Woodbridge Thoroughfare and local hostelries.

Few Landing places

One of the reasons that Waldringfield is so popular is that it has easy access to the river and elsewhere on the estuary, public access is limited.  It was volunteered that technically, there is no public launching at Ramsholt.  Dinghies on the foreshore at Ramsholt pay an annual licence to the Adeane Estate.  There are slipways useable for a fee at Felixstowe Ferry and Robertsons.

Boat Numbers

There was general agreement that overall numbers of boats moored on the Estuary are down.  Ramsholt (200 moorings) no longer has a waiting list.  However, the average size is getting bigger and there are limited moorings for the larger boats.  Total numbers spiked (lots of smaller boats e.g. Dorys,) directly after Covid 2021/22, but have since reduced significantly.  Thoughts were that this is possibly related to the economy or a trend toward personal watercraft by younger users, as indicated by the level of interest in Deben Paddlers Facebook page.

Notwithstanding the lowering in moored numbers, the cost of boating on the Deben is low.  The idea was raised that there is an opportunity to raise funds with a small usage levy which could be spent on improving the Deben.

Riverside paths /Access

There was a brief discussion about the King Charles III National Coastal Path and the likely route it would take around the Estuary.  The Deben Forum was updated that on 5^th May 2024, the Secretary of State had approved the outline route from Felixstowe Ferry – Bawdsey, (apart from one section).  Further information such as the date for the implementation of the route and exactly how it will be implemented on the ground is yet to be announced.  The Deben Estuary Partnership has a post on its website containing what is known at this point. (See Link).

 Additional Information

Charlotte Lewis (MMO) asked for the following information to be circulated:

“The MMO are now in the next stage of their East Marine Plan development, following their first stage which was the development of and consultation on the East Marine Plan Statement of Public Participation, – this was published in April 2024. 

 This next stage of the plan development involves identifying issues and gathering evidence which will be an opportunity for stakeholders, such as the Forum and individuals, to provide views through in-person and online events. 

 This stage will be where you can raise the silting queries you have – along with evidence – so I highly encourage a representative from the Forum to attend one of our upcoming events to highlight your issues. 

We’re still waiting on confirmation of exact dates for these in-person and online events – but please sign up to our Marine Planning Updates and Newsletter sign-up link here– which will keep you in the loop once these dates are announced and info on how to join.

Regarding queries about MMO licensing at the Forum some useful information is below:

• Self Service ‘Do I need a Marine License’ tool
• If a Standard license is required, you will receive a case number and case officer who will be your point of contact
• The marine licensing contact email for any further questions: [email protected]

The next Deben Forum?

Attendees were thanked for their contributions, with thanks also to the Woodbridge Quay Church for hosting the event.   Whilst the Quay Church is a very suitable venue, post-meeting feedback was given that it would be helpful to participants to cater to hearing impairments, such as through making use of the built-in mic and loop system, and the church’s lap-top projection system.

Further feedback offered suggestions for the frequency for future meetings (currently planned to be 24mthly).  Feedback varied between a minimum of 6 monthly to 12 monthly (from the choices of 6mth; 12mth; 24mth; when an issue; other).

Whilst organisations around the estuary deem the Deben Forum beneficial (as demonstrated through their attendance,) the RDA will continue to convene and manage the logistics as a neutral party.  However, the true benefits will be shown through tangible actions!  As one delegate wrote,

“When all is said and done, more is said than done!”

 

Organisations Represented (24)

• Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club
• Deben Canoe Club
• Deben Cruises
• Deben Estuary Partnership
• Deben Paddlers
• Deben Rowing Club
• East Suffolk Council
• East Suffolk Wakeboard and Water Ski Club
• Essex & Suffolk Rivers Trust
• Felixstowe Ferry Fore Shore Trust
• Marine Management Organisation
• National Trust
• Ramsholt Fairways Committee
• Ramsholt Harbour Master
• River Deben Association
• Suffolk JetSki Ltd
• Tide Mill
• Waldringfield Fairways Committee
• Waldringfield Harbour Master
• Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyard
• Woodbridge Cruising Club
• Woodbridge Museum
• Woodbridge Quay/Ferry Dock
• Woodbridge Riverside Trust