Wensum Riverfly Program and Results update July 2024
I previously communicated that some changes were needed following the dissolution of the Broads Angling Services Group, which is happening on the 31st July. I have now secured funding for us to continue with Wensum Riverfly sampling and to provide both additional safety equipment and Insurance liability within the recently formed Wensum Community Organisation. It will also enable us to run further training and accreditation sessions, hopefully at Worthing Lakes for more volunteers.
We have looked closely at the existing health and safety and aligned it with that provided by Norfolk Rivers Trust and the guidance from Riverfly and the FPA. It does mean that singleton kick sampling is no longer supported and that life vests will be required for undertaking any in-river activity.
I must also point out, that each specific site must have its own site specific hazard assessment undertaken prior to anybody entering into the river.
I trust you approve of these changes and can see why we feel this is important. However, I need to ask whether you wish to continue helping the partnership with Riverfly sampling, as I will only order PPE for the people who wish to continue and any additional new folks who come forward.
What this means to you.
I have yesterday written to all registered volunteers and folks showing an interested in in helping.This is your record and understanding of the role you will play within the Wensum Catchment Partnership.
We will ask you to sign this as both confirmation of your understanding of the risks and the mitigation measures needed to ensure your safety. This is separate from the current CaSTCo and Norfolk Rivers Trust volunteer agreement, but something we would wish to consolidate in the future. Be assured we have put in place a framework that provides clear and defined polices that enable you to work safely and appropriately risk assessed.
In terms of risk assessment, this is a 3 step process.
Available from www.wensum.org/our-documents
Step 1 Site Specific Hazard Assessment Link here
Step 2 Generic Site Risk Assessment Link here
Step 3 Dynamic Site Risk Assessment Link here
Your knowledge is of steps 2 and 3. We will undertake step 1, so sites are selected for safety.
Regards
Kelvin Chairman Wensum Catchment Partnership
Dennis Willis & Chris Bone Riverfly Co-ordinators
We will update the monitoring sites and sampling data results, once we get through the summer period.
Riverflies Sampling Sites and monitors in Wensum Catchment February 2024
Produced by Dennis Willis Wensum Co-ordinator
