Not really as dosn't tell us anything new. The EA are only interested in the flood control. The buck still rests with Trafford via Alan Barton to appropriatley manage the water levels for the LRP's and cut back vegetation in front of the hide so that we can see them. MV wardens allegedly still patrol the site and make the reccomemndations to AB. As for the cressula, it's still there and the LRPs seem to live with it. Any further management must ensure that there is no disturbance to breeding schedule 1 species, i.e. LRPs and Kingfisher. That includes the construction of a new bird hide - I've no idea if or when it'll happen, though it must be a winter job.

The large amount of rainfall last May / June lead to the pump being removed to prevent it being damaged in the event of the site being use as a flood control basin by the EA at short notice. The pump has only just been reinstated, though its use lies with Trafford. The resulting high water levels from last years heavy rains in June and July made the conditions unsuitable for a second pair of LRPs and a pair of RPs to raise broods. The pump wasn't reinstated when the flood threat was over because it required parts and a service I believe.

In response to various concerns regarding the management of the site I received the following response earlier today from Sandra Welding in the External Relations section of the Environment Agency.

"Thank you for your enquiry 28 September 2007. We do apologise for the delay, I had a response from our Fisheries/ Ecology team, but then needed to confirm with our Flood Defence and Estates team.

The Enivronment Agency owns the whole of the site, including the main lake and Broad Ees Dole, we use this area for flood water storage. It is used when the levels in the River Mersey become dangerously high. We also operate another basin further upstream at Didsbury, which floods the Golf course and Stennar Woods.

As you rightly point out, the site is owned by the Environment Agency, it is then leased to Trafford MBC and the Mersey Valley Warden Service are funded to manage the site on their behalf. The day-to-day management of the site, including how they manage the site for biodiversity, is carried out by Trafford MBC and the Warden Service, however our Operations and Delivery Team carry out occasional maintenance on the inlet channel (from the Mersey to the lake) and on our major assets (ie the inlet and outlet structures).

Any work or proposals which could effect the functionality of the Flood Basin requires our consent.
Recently Trafford have undertaken significant Crassula eradication/management works, with Lottery Funding and part funding from Trafford. The lawn of Crassula thrived with the fluctuating water levels of the Dole and it was reducing the overall biodiversity value of the site, including the Little Ringed Plovers. For details of how the site is managed for biodiversity, please contact the Warden Service (Alex Krause) or Trafford MBC's Ecologist (Alan Barton)"

A welcome bit of reassurance

Thanks for the update Pete I think we all appreciate the awkward position you're in. I'm not sure what response I'll get but I've asked the Env Agency to confirm the plans for the future management of the site. Going to Trafford direct seems a waste of time so I'll see what the owners of the site have to say. Also been in touch with the GM Ecology Unit - I doubt there's much they can do but might as well make them aware of Trafford's attitude towards biodiversity.

BTW - cheers for the Geography lesson!

At last something in writing from the Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service involvement in an internal memo from the Chief dated 17.09.07. I've been given permission by my line manager to state this, it doesn't really answer any questions re : Traffords involvement, although a contact number is included Trafford direct 0161 912 2000 (good luck !)

"As of today we will be undertaking no new grounds maintenance / land management / capital works on Trafford sites. All other duties etc are for the moment unaffected ( patrolling, schools, events etc ).

There are exceptions in terms of works we are committed to but have not carried out. ...."

Of relevance this includes the construction of a new bird hide at Broad Ees Dole, well actually replacing the old wooden Riverside Hide, which was burnt to the ground, with a brick structure.

As for Traffords perspective, I've no idea and I can't get involved in the politics .

The attitude of Trafford Council is incredible its like going back to the dark ages. Without the Trafford funded staff I can't see how they're going to manage BED. Somehow I doubt there's going to be any goodwill gestures from the Manchester funded team ! Without management we could lose a possible (or is it definite) breeding site for a number of Schedule 1 listed species.

In my experience it'd be staggering if the Heritage Lottery Fund hadn't insisted upon a match funding contribution from Trafford Council. Frequently local authorities find this from their own internal revenue budgets and the lottery allow them to include the future costs of maintenance/management over a period of up to 10 years eg. £4,500 over 10 years = £45,000 or the equivalent of 50% match funding . From the lottery and Governments perspective this is an excellent way of ensuring the projects are sustainable. I think we need to know exactly what the councils future site management plans are and what committment they made to the lottery. I think it may be time to make a request under the freedom of information.

That's a good point you make, Ian, about the BED conservation work being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the need for ongoing management - they had a really bad infestation of Crassula Helmsii there, and it will need keeping on top of, otherwise it will be back. I went to a sterring group meeting for Trafford's Action for Nature 17th July. At this, the cuts were outlined - I believe £67k or more - 6 posts have gone, including the already vacant post of Nature Conservation Officer which was never filled when Lindsay Ralston left. The Parks and Countryside dept no longer exists other than Alan Barton. The future of the AfN group is uncertain but Trafford have legal obligations to fill whatever happens, which may cost more than the cuts! At any rate the future is grim. The next meeeting is 2nd Oct so I may know more then. I gather from Manchester CC employees in the Mersey Valley warden scheme that they won't be allowed to go on Trafford sites, and all of them are obviously very worried.

Although probably old news does anybody know what Trafford Council's future plans are for the management of Broad Ees Dole? Presumably as they're withdrawing their financial support for the Mersey Valley Warden Service they have a plan B? - If not, I think some awkward questions need to be asked. The lottery's database indicates the Heritage Lottery Fund contributed £45,000 to the recent management works. It would be extremely unusual for the lottery to make an award without any commitment from the landowner towards the long term management of the site. I'm aware Trafford Council made a financial contribution towards the project. If this consisted of match funding say £5,000 per year over the next 10 years a failure to manage the site could now be interpreted as fraud. Can anybody here shed any light on what's going on? Thanks