In this issue: For the latest estuary-wide information, news and events please visit

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1 Issue 47 Summer 2017 In this issue: New Chairman for the Exe Estuary Management Partnership Next Steps for Review of Zonation Local Businesses Support Exe Clean-Up New Devon Loves Dogs Scheme South West Coffee Festival 2017 Flood Defence Shemes follow us For the latest estuary-wide information, news and events please visit

2 Contents Page 2 A Thank You to Councillor Bernard Hughs OBE 3 New Chairman for the Exe Estuary Management Partnership 4 Review of Zonation of Exe Estuary 5 Codes of Conduct 5 New Conservation Steward for Exeter, East Devon & Teignbridge 6-7 Exe Estuary Clean-Up 8 'Putting Fish First' by Krispies Fish & Chips 9 Jewels Amongst the Litter 9 Exmouth Gig Club compete in two regattas in two days 10 South West Coffee Festival A New Membership Scheme for Dogs 'Leads' the way Flood Defence Schemes on the Exe 15 Seagrass Monitoring in the Exe Estuary 16 Completed Works at Camperdown Car Park New Chairman for the Exe Estuary Management Partnership A Thank You to Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE As a long standing supporter of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership (EEMP), the Partnership would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the EEMP, Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE, after he stood down from Local Government in May. A local businessman, Cllr Hughes has lived in Devon for 55 years. As a Devon County Councillor, Cllr Hughes represented the people in his constituency on the eastern banks of the River Exe between Exmouth Station and the River Clyst Bridge for many years. For 14 of those years, Cllr Hughes worked hard to represent the people around the entire Exe as Chairman of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. With an impressive 24 years in office at Devon County Council, Cllr Hughes was one of Devon s longest serving Councillors and became Chairman of Devon County Council during 2014/15. As well as serving Exmouth Halsdon and Woodbury for the past 16 years, Cllr Hughes served on many of the Council's committees, including membership on the Exmouth Regeneration Board and Chairmanship of the Exeter Rail Working Party. Bernard also served as Chairman of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority (formerly known as the Devon Fire Authority) from 2001 until He was also active with charities, providing support services to disabled people both in his position as Devon County Council Director of the PLUSS organisation and as a trustee of CEDA, an Exeter based charity. Bernard was instrumental in path surface improvement work being undertaken to the bird screen that was recently built at Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, to improve access for those that are less able, including wheelchair users. In recognition for his civic duties, Bernard was included in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2009 and was awarded an OBE. In October of this year, the title of Honorary Alderman of Devon County Council will be conferred upon him, in recognition of his eminent service to the Council. We especially thank Cllr Hughes for his passionate support of the EEMP, through good years and difficult times. His unwavering faith in the value of this Partnership saw the EEMP through the majority of its 22 years of existence. My name is Cllr Jeff Trail BEM DCC Exmouth. Following the Devon County Council elections I have been appointed to the Exe Estuary Management Partnership (EEMP) as Chairman. As a person who has given many years of service to the military and now local government I accept the challenges ahead of me for the benefit of EEMP and all Exe Estuary users. Over the past years Cllr Bernard Hughes MBE has, with his Officers and committee, worked hard to provide EEMP with the resources and finances to protect the River Exe and to assist with its preservation, whilst at the same time working with the assistance of all users. Yes, I have big shoes to follow but I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to fly the flag and maintain the standards set. The next couple of years are going to be challenging not only with the on-going work commitments within the committee but also the environmental responsibilities associated with EEMP. With ever decreasing financial assistance within all sectors, EEMP will need to explore ways to find the extra resources, volunteers and funds required to move forward to maintain and improve the service provided by EEMP. As a forward thinking, listening individual, I will endeavour to engage with EEMP and all user groups. All ideas are welcome for the benefit of the City of Exeter, Towns and Villages, and visitors to The River Exe. Should any reader, business, organisation or association wish to be a part of this team, please contact the EEMP office at Devon County Hall and ask for Ms Stephanie Clark who will be delighted to assist. I thank you in anticipation for your support and assistance. Cllr Jeff Trail BEM DCC Exmouth 2 3

3 Review of Zonation of the Exe Estuary The Exe Estuary Management Partnership (EEMP) would like to thank everyone who participated in the public consultation on the Review of Zonation of the Exe Estuary which began in December 2016 and closed on 28th April The EEMP was contracted by the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee (SEDHREC) to conduct the public consultation, due to the Partnership s neutral approach in managing the Exe. Local residents, businesses and users of the Exe Estuary put forward their comments and views on initial proposals, which were taken into account to form new recommendations for Wildlife Refuges. The process included 18 meetings with different user groups, 2 general meetings and an online questionnaire which closed on 28 April. The Exe Estuary Officer consulted with local users through these meetings and events, to ensure the best balance between people and wildlife could be found. All minutes are available at With a growing population, there is likely to be more activity on significant conservation sites. Protecting these sites for residents and visitors alike is important for a number of reasons, including providing safe areas for all users to enjoy and caring for the bird populations they support. 'Wildlife Refuges' have been proposed at two areas that have been identified as having particular importance for protected species and habitats, which request that space is given to wildlife. These proposals aim to provide consistent and coordinated information about the 'Wildlife Refuges' for all the different types of users - from water craft to dog walkers. Amended proposals for 'Wildlife Refuges' were discussed and endorsed by the EEMP Officer Working Group (which also includes South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership (SEDHRP) officers) and EEMP Management Group during June. Amended proposals were displayed at a drop-in event on 29 June at County Hall, with staff in attendance to answer questions. The amended proposals for new Wildlife Refuges are now publically available in the Exe Estuary Zonation Review Consultation Report which can be found at An additional online survey is now being carried out by the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership (SEDHRP) from 29th June until 10th August. This six week period will give local people the opportunity to help further refine the amended proposals, as well as people who tend to use the Exe Estuary during this peak holiday season. The survey is available at Following the close of the additional survey, all comments will be reviewed for the final report. The report will be published by the SEDHRP and will be presented alongside the EEMP consultation report to the SEDHREC in their October 2017 meeting, where a decision will be made on whether to approve the proposals. Codes of Conduct The Exe Estuary Management Partnership (EEMP) will now be reviewing and updating codes of conduct for users of the Exe Estuary. The codes of conduct will be developed by working closely with local user groups. The codes will be updated to ensure issues of safety, consideration of other users and nature conservation are all taken into account. Each user group, as well as national recreational bodies, will be asked to share with us their experience and expertise, so we can understand different perspectives and take on board their views. New and amended codes will be developed for kitesurfing / windsurfing, jet skiing, sailing, power boating, water skiing, canoeing, crab tiling, bait collection / shellfishing, and dog walking for the Exe Estuary and offshore area. Codes of conduct are important for the Exe Estuary because there are a wide range of users who may not be linked to a particular club. They may have different interests, where activities overlap. NEXT STEPS FOR REVIEW OF CODES OF CONDUCT: JULY-AUG: Drafting of updated codes of conduct, based on existing codes and national guidance (working with user groups and national recreational bodies). SEPT: Draft codes publically available for feedback. We will be asking users and recreational bodies to get involved with this process shortly, with further details added to the EEMP website as it becomes available. We look forward to working closely with users during these next stages. New conservation steward for Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge A new Habitat Mitigation Officer, Amelia Davies, has been appointed to give advice to the public across the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Amelia joins Sama Euridge in helping people enjoy these beautiful areas and protect the important species they support. For example, following the fire on the Pebblebed Heaths, they will be asking the public to be vigilant and not light fires. Funded by developer contributions on new residential housing across the three areas, the pair are employed by East Devon District Council on behalf of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Commitee of Teignbridge, Exeter and East Devon Councils. The partnership was set up last year to protect important conservation sites by mitigating the effects of new developments and population growth. 4 5

4 Volunteers and Local Businesses turn out in droves to help Clean the Exe Estuary The sun was shining as over 100 volunteers turned up at Exmouth Local Nature Reserve on Saturday 13th May. The volunteers gathered in force to tackle an issue that endangers the safety of human visitors and wildlife on this internationally important site litter. Large and sharp items were removed from the estuary, which could be hazardous to the many recreational users that use this area. Other items included a mass of netting, which wildlife can get caught up in and drown or starve. Amongst the more humorous items found were a set of dentures! Whether harmful or amusing, the litter that was collected filled a skip, leaving the Local Nature Reserve spotless and ready for the summer visitors. A number of local businesses selflessly offered up their Saturdays to help at the event, starting with refreshments from the local McDonald s, prior to the clean. The Rt Hon Sir Hugo Swire KCMG, Conservative MP for East Devon, made time to help out at the Clean-Up, volunteering alongside others in clearing the rubbish from the shoreline of the estuary. Sir Hugo said: I was delighted to participate in the Clean Up on Saturday and it was wonderful to see so many volunteers giving up their time to collect the rubbish. It demonstrated the love people have for this precious asset that we are privileged to have on doorstep. After a couple of hours of hard work, volunteers made their way over to The GWRSA Railway Club, to have a well-deserved cuppa kindly provided by the club, and then tucking in to a hot fish supper generously supplied by Tim and Kelly Barnes, owners of Krispies Fish & Chips in Exmouth. Krispies are passionate about sourcing sustainable fish, which are taken from fish populations which are at healthy levels whilst protecting the marine environment. They have also just won a national award for their chips they are officially the best in Britain! Kelly Barnes, owner of Krispies Fish & Chips said: I have never done the beach clean before and it was a fabulous community event as well as being a really good day out for the family. We will be sponsoring September s beach clean but if we weren t I would go along anyway! Read more about how Krispies Put Fish First in their article on page 8. Volunteers were then welcomed aboard a fantastic free cruise of the beautiful (and newly-cleaned) estuary, courtesy of the family-run Stuart Line Cruises. Exe Estuary Officer, Stephanie Clark, says: The amount of volunteers that turn up at these events is astounding. For so many people around the estuary to give up their Saturday to take care of this special place is tremendous and shows real community spirit. This is the 19th clean-up event of the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, and there has been a notable reduction in the amount of rubbish on the Local Nature Reserve, due to the hard work of volunteers, as well as the changing attitudes of people towards littering. This reduction in litter improves the health of the natural environment, removing hazards for both wildlife and people who use the estuary. The support of local businesses, such as Stuart Line Cruises, Krispies Fish & Chips, The Railway Club and McDonalds, has proved incredibly important at all of the events we have run and demonstrates their commitment to the estuary. We are also grateful to local organisations such as East Devon District Council and the National Trust, whose help with this event made a huge difference to the amount of litter that we could clear. Left to right: David Shawyer (McDonald s), Stephanie Clark (Exe Estuary Officer), Sir Hugo Swire, Kelly Barnes (Krispies Fish & Chips). Get involved with the Autumn Clean-Up! Our next Clean-Up event will take place at 9am on Saturday 16th September, meeting at Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground slipway. Stuart Line Cruises, Krispies Fish & Chips and ACE Music Jazz Band will all be very kindly offering their time and tasty treats again, so it should be another fantastic event to attend! If you would like to join us, please ensure that you book your place early to avoid disappointment. Book your place by ing exeestua@devon.gov.uk or by phoning If any other businesses or organisations would like to support our future events, please get in touch! David Shawyer, McDonald s franchisee said: As a local businessman, with customers and employees in Exmouth, I was delighted to have the opportunity to support this really worthwhile event, both through providing refreshments for all those involved and by getting hands-on, alongside our own ten volunteers. I was pleased with the amount of rubbish collected and the real community spirit evident on the day. 6 7

5 'Putting Fish First and Award Winning Chips! By Krispies Fish & Chips At Krispies we have two big passions Fish and Chips and Exmouth so when something comes along which allows one to support the other we want to be involved. Hence the reason why we got involved with the Exe Estuary Management Partnership Beach Clean this spring. Not only did we sponsor the clean by providing our award winning Fish and Chips for free but Kelly also rolled up her sleeves and, along with son Charlie, took part in cleaning the beach too. The fish we serve at Krispies is responsibly and sustainably sourced and we are extremely proud to be MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified. That means you will be enjoying fish that are judged to be at healthy levels so can be fished safely thereby protecting the delicate marine eco system and ensuring there are plenty of fish for generations to come. Much of our fish comes from the cold waters of the Barnets Sea and are frozen within hours of being caught ensuring that the freshness, nutrients and taste are all retained without compromising quality. But no matter where it might be from, the health of our fish in oceans, seas and estuaries are of paramount importance. So to help people understand a bit more about how they can make sure they choose sustainable fish, be it in our shop or at the supermarket, we launched the Putting Fish First Campaign. This is a series of events, menu items, blogs etc that are specifically designed to raise awareness of sustainability and how it is possible to always choose sustainably caught fish no matter what the species is. The MSC certification can be applied to all manner of fish (not just cod and haddock) so it is always worth keeping an eye out for the little blue logo. Of course, no fish is really complete without chips and our chips are as important to us as our fish is. So we were amazed and delighted to be awarded the From Field to Fryer Award 2017 as part of the National Fish and Chip Awards. The From Field to Fryer award is about potatoes not just how we fry them but everything leading up to that including where they are grown, who grows them, what type of soil they are grown in, what varieties are best at particular times of year and what problems to look out for. We do, and always have, checked our potatoes carefully before we accept a delivery (and are not shy to reject potatoes if they don t come up to our high standards), we cut our chips ourselves and care about every stage of making a humble chip. It is wonderful to have this attention to detail recognized and holding this award means our chips are officially the Best Chips in Britain! Overall it has already been quite a year for us (we were on BBC TV as well) but whether it is accepting national awards, being on prime time TV or helping to clean up our local beach it is all important to us because it is all about our two biggest passions Fish and Chips and Exmouth. Jewels Amongst the Litter Also helping with this year s Spring Clean Up was South West based artist, Sally Bennett. Originally from Exeter, Sally is currently studying a Masters in Fine Art at Bath Spa University and was on her way back from a two week art residency in Porthleven, Cornwall when she stopped off to help. Describing herself as a landscape artist, her work is a documentation of, and response to, our ever changing world. The evolution of our rural and urban environment both fascinates and disturbs me she says. Building on the work I carried out during my residency, I am interested in how our landscape and seas have changed through human intervention. The objects used in her work from the Spring Clean Up were cleaned and photographed to look like jewels. I try not to be too preachy in my work but instead present it in such a way to make people think. I remember trips to Exmouth when I was a child, where we d go rock-pooling or looking for shells. As an adult, I m much more aware of what should and should not be washed up or found on our coastline and the wider problem of plastic pollution - particularly single use plastics such as straws, carrier bags, water bottles - is alarming. However, I get a similar feeling of excitement when I find a beautiful shell or an unusual man made object. There s often a more interesting backstory to a man made object too, at which we can only imagine. For instance, regarding the objects found on Exmouth beach, who was the little boy who lost his shoe? And how did the false teeth happen to be there? More of Sally s work can be seen on her Instagram account: Exmouth Gig Club competes in two Regattas in two days Exmouth Pilot Gig Club competed in two regattas two 2 days, one on 1st July at Teignmouth and then the next day in West Bay for Bridport Gig Club s Regatta. Both days had glorious sunny weather. Teignmouth s conditions were good, giving our crews good days racing. We entered the Ladies B, C and Veterans categories. With all crews performing very well. Ladies crews placing 5/10 in the B's, 6/10 in the C s and 7/10 in the vets. Next, the Men s races, placing 7/10 in the B s, 6/10 in the C s and 10/10 in the Vets. The following day we made our way down to West bay for Bridport s Regatta, although sunny, the sea conditions were not favourable, starting with a bit of a swell, and as the day went on the sea become choppy and the wind stronger, never the less all our crew performed their best. Ladies placed 5/10 in the B's, 9/10 in the C s and 13/14 in the vets. The men s results were 9/11 in the B s, 9/10 in the C s and 10/11 in the Vets. Both days saw exciting races with clashing oars and tight buoy turns, most exciting being the Ladies B race fighting for 4th place with another boat at Teignmouth, but with only a few inches they beat us. 8 9

6 Spirit of the Exe: Powderham Festival Unfortunately, due to unplanned circumstances, there will be no Spirit of the Exe Festival for The event, which was originally planned to take place at Powderham Castle, will not be taking place this year. However, the South West Coffee Festival will still be going ahead between 4th and 6th August at Powderham Castle A new membership scheme for dogs leads the way The South West Coffee Festival for enthusiasts and experts 2017 The South West Coffee Festival is taking place between the 4th and 6th August 2017 at Powderham Castle, Exeter. The festival is open as a trade show and consumer show, so whether you're a coffee shop owner interested in networking, or a family looking for a fun day out, there is something for everyone. For trade and baristas, the South West Coffee Festival is bringing together producers and wholesalers that make up and support the thriving third wave coffee scene in the south west. Businesses can register for a free trade pass for the festival and events within, as we are encouraging networking 4th-6th August 2017 Powderham Castle Standard Tickets (2 day entry: Saturday & Sunday) 12 VIP Tickets (3 day entry & closer parking) 14 and discovering the stories behind the products and the best kept secrets of the trade. For home brewers and coffee enthusiasts, the festival is a great opportunity to meet new people, perfect your brewing skills, and find new coffees, blends and tricks of the trade. There will be many guest speakers and workshops so you can hear about the latest trends in the third wave industry and stories from small businesses to inspire. Many of the businesses signed up will be offering exclusive show prices so you can try and buy, as well as help you get started on your coffee journey. Buy tickets Register for trade pass Exhibit at the South West Coffee Festival General enquiries hello@swcoffeefest.com Event Organiser Derry Tydeman - derry@swcoffeefest.com Exhibitor & Marketing Manager Mikaela Bartlett - mikaela@swcoffeefest.com #SWCoffeeFest Facebook The South West Coffee Festival Julie and her dog Maisie A free membership scheme called Devon Loves Dogs has been set up for dog owners and dog lovers in the area. Recently launched during Heath Week, the new scheme for dog owners and dog walkers is led by Julie Owen, who will give information, advice and run events for residents and visitors across the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren and East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. Julie is creating a community of dog walkers who love where they live and walk with their dogs, promoting responsible dog ownership so that people and their pets can have a barking good time at these important conservation sites, at the same time helping to care for the wildlife which makes these areas internationally important. Julie will spend her time on the three sites meeting and talking to dog walkers, encouraging waggy fun and responsible dog ownership, as well as helping to prevent disturbance or damage to the sites, to keep them as special as they are now. Julie will be able to provide useful information about dog walking, when to keep your dog on a lead, codes of conduct and places to walk as well as organising events and activities to encourage membership of this community of nature-loving dog owners. On 3rd September, Julie will be coordinating a dog fun day at the opening of the new Dawlish Countryside Park, where you can sign up to Devon Loves Dogs to get useful canine information and free gifts for furry friends. Julie will work closely with partners including Clinton Devon Estates, the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Devon Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Julie will also provide helpful information on the special nature of these internationally important areas and how small changes in behaviour can have huge benefits for wild birds and their habitats. Devon Loves Dogs Co-ordinator, Julie Owen said: I m very excited about Devon Loves Dogs creating a community of dog walkers and dog owners. As a member of Devon Loves Dogs, people will get helpful advice and freebies, such as dog tags, treats and poo bags, so our canine friends are not mucky pups! I ll be able to help people understand where they can safely go to let their pooches run around off the lead and suggest places for walkies, where there are livestock, sensitive wildlife areas and restricted areas. To find out more, me on woof@devonlovesdogs.co.uk, visit or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

7 Flood defence schemes on the Exe A key area of the Environment Agency s work focuses on increasing resilience of people, property and businesses to the risks of flooding and coastal erosion. It also aims to mitigate the devastating consequences that flooding can cause. Across England, 1 in 6 properties is at risk of flooding. A trailing suction hopper dredger, the Mahury, collected sand from a site just offshore from Dawlish Warren. The new sand was pumped to shore via a series of pipes floating on the sea, on the sea bed and arranged on the beach. In places the beach has been raised by up to 3m, meaning a large area of beach now exists above the high tide mark. The increased beach levels help to protect the dunes and allow them to behave naturally, whilst also providing a greatly improved beach for visitors to enjoy. With climate change predicted to result in sea level rise, erosion and increased storminess, the Environment Agency is progressing a number of schemes to protect people from flooding across the Exe Estuary. Here we give an update on how the schemes are progressing. Dawlish Warren beach management scheme The Environment Agency and Teignbridge District Council are working together to deliver the 14million Dawlish Warren beach management scheme, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding to approximately 2,900 properties around the River Exe. Contractors BMMJV moved into Dawlish Warren in January 2017 to begin the works. Since work started, 1.2km of stone-filled gabion baskets have been removed from the Warren, allowing the development of a natural, mobile dune system, key to maintaining the Warren s Special Area of Conservation (SAC) status. The timber groynes have been refurbished, extended and replaced along the length of the Warren in order to capture and hold sand on the beach, with over 200 new 7m long timber posts and over 1,500 new planks installed. To ensure that the town of Dawlish Warren is protected from coastal flooding, a new revetment has been constructed between groynes 2 and 3, which works in conjunction with the flood wall installed across the Warren (near the visitor centre) to prevent a flood path to the village. The dredging and beach recharge was completed ahead of schedule in early July, pumping over 250,000m3 of sand to the beach equivalent to over 100 Olympic swimming pools full of sand. In order to protect internationally important species of birds and protected fish movements in the Exe Estuary, the dredging and beach recharge operation could only be completed in June, July and August. Work was sequenced to ensure the main tourist beach was accessible during the 2017 school summer holidays, but excellent progress has seen the entirety of the beach recharge completed by early July. Works to the Geotube defence buried in the dunes at the neck, the narrowest point of the Warren, will be ongoing through the summer. Giant bags are being pumped full of sand and water, which drain to create compacted sand bags up to 2.85m high. In a very extreme storm event the Geotube neck defence would prevent storm waves entering the Exe Estuary and reaching communities such as Starcross and Cockwood, as well as important infrastructure including the main rail link to the south west. News about Dawlish Beach Management Scheme is being shared via the Facebook page: For further information contact Lawrence Jones, BMMMJV public liaison officer, on , Lawrence.jones@bamnuttall.co.uk or Richard Cox, Environment Agency project manager on , Richard.cox@environment-agency.gov.uk 12 13

8 Exeter flood defence scheme (FDS) The Environment Agency is working with Devon County Council and Exeter City Council on a 32million scheme to reduce flood risk to 3,200 homes and businesses by Phase 1 of the scheme, which saw construction work just downstream of Exeter Quay, was completed in Phase 2 of the scheme, involving work on both banks of the river from Cowley Bridge to Countess Wear, got underway in July 2016 and work is progressing well. Work is proceeding on both banks of the river upstream and downstream of Exe Bridges. Work on the Quay is set to re-start in October following the summer embargo period. Works are programmed to finish in News about Exeter FDS will be shared via: subscribing to using the hashtag #ExeterFDS Flickr For further information contact: Richard Cox, Environment Agency project manager, on ; ExeterFDS@environment-agency.gov.uk New defence under construction upstream of Exe Bridges Exmouth tidal defence scheme The Environment Agency is working with East Devon District Council to procure the design and construction of the Exmouth tidal defence scheme (TDS). A preferred supplier to complete the detailed design and construction of the Exmouth TDS has been selected, and we are going through the process to gain final approval before the contract with the preferred supplier can be signed. It is anticipated the contract will be signed in September, at which point the design phase will start. An important part of the design phase will be consultation with local people and businesses to make them aware of the scheme and so that they can have their say in shaping what the scheme will look like, building on the excellent response we ve had at previous consultation events. Before we can start to build the new flood defences, we will need to gain planning approval from the local planning authority as well as the marine management organisation. We expect to submit the planning application in late 2018, and the construction phase should start soon after. For further information contact: Rob Butler, Environment Agency project manager, on or rob.butler@environment-agency.gov.uk Starcross and Cockwood tidal defence scheme submitted for planning approval Following confirmation of approval of 3.3 million from government Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) towards managing the risk of tidal flooding at Starcross and Cockwood, the scheme proposals have been put forward for planning approval. You can now go onto Teignbridge District Council s website and view all the plans for the scheme. The web address is: planning-applications-and-appeals/view-and-commenton-planning-applications-and-appeals/ You will need the planning reference 17/01703/MAJ. A detailed description of the works along with drawings, diagrams and screenshots from the 3D model are all contained within the EIA Statement which can be downloaded in 3 parts and is located on page 3 of the Planning Documents section of the website. Through the webpage you will also be able to provide your views and comment on the proposals. Assuming that we gain planning permission for the works, we will continue preparations for the start of the construction period. We will ensure that landowners and the local community are kept up to date with our plans. For further information contact: Martin Davies, FCRM Adviser martin.davies1@environment-agency.gov.uk Rob Butler, Project Manager rob.butler@environment-agency.gov.uk Seagrass monitoring in the Exe estuary. Why do the sea grass beds in the Exe need to be monitored / surveyed? As part of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) the Environment Agency has a requirement to assess the ecological status of estuarine and coastal water bodies and this includes monitoring sea grass beds. Sea grass beds are monitored as they are particularly sensitive to morphological pressures e.g. dredging and shoreline reclamation, and provide important food for wildfowl and nutrients to support animal communities on the seabed. Other WFD monitored elements for the Exe estuary include fish, sea grass, benthic invertebrates and opportunistic macro algae (seaweed). What do the surveys involve? The methodology for assessing sea grass beds is to identify species, map bed extents and then take a representative number of quadrats to estimate percentage cover (from which an average % cover for the whole sea grass bed can be estimated). As some of the sea grass beds are in or on deep soft mud, spread over large areas, this can present a significant health and safety risk to staff undertaking these surveys. Using a hovercraft enables the surveys to be undertaken efficiently and safely. *Figures show seagrass and mapped bed extents in 2016 Survey results are put through a statistical tool which then indicates whether the estuary is at Poor, Moderate, Good or High ecological status for that element e.g. seagrass. When do the surveys taking place? The sea grass surveys are usually carried out between 1st June and mid-july to minimise the disturbance to birds and to target the peak bloom of the sea grass. The survey in 2017 took place on the 10th and 11th of July. Initial results show that there has been an increase in the size of the beds with a few new smaller beds appearing in some areas, which is great news

9 Works to expand Camperdown car park, Exmouth completed Expanded car park provides free unhitched trailer parking East Devon District Council has expanded the existing pay and display car park into the adjacent former Devon County Council highways maintenance depot to support the recently completed Mamhead slipway in the town. As the preferred trailer car and trailer parking area for the recently improved Mamhead Slipway, the new layout will include parking for almost 30 cars with trailers, as well as an area that will be zoned off to provide free parking for unhitched trailers while users are at sea. This will be a flexible arrangement, which can be expanded to cope with additional demand as necessary. Cars parked with trailers in back-to-back spaces will continue to be charged at double the normal parking rate, as per the previous arrangement at this location. Membership Form Exe Estuary Management Partnership, c/o Devon County Council, Lucombe House, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD exeestua@devon.gov.uk Title First Name Surname Occupation Organisation (if any) Address Postcode Tel Website Receive Exe Press by post Receive Exe Press by Number of copies Would you like to receive information about? Forum Clean up Interests: Local Community Nature Conservation & Environmental Quality Harbour Services Fisheries & Crab Collecting Agriculture and Rural Land Use Heritage Coastal Management Land Based Recreation Water Based Recreation Transport Tourism & Economy FOR PEOPLE, FOR WILDLIFE, FOR THE FUTURE