Crouch and Roach now a SPA

[DanTribe]

I notice that the Rivers Crouch and Roach are now officially a S P A. I believe that means Special Protection Area.
The CAYF say that this won't affect river users. But if it's not going to have any effect, what's the point of it then?
I have tried to wade through the reports but they seem to be an exercise in obfuscation. How many acronyms can we get into one paragraph?
I hope they are correct and it won't restrict my freedom of use of the rivers and creeks, but I worry about creeping loss of freedoms based on what's in the best interests of "nature".
I have already been told by a goretex warrior, that it was OK to anchor there, [in the Roach] as long as I didn't stay too long.
He disappeared before I could educate him!
Can anyone re- assure me that this isn't the thin end of the wedge?

 

[Jan Harber]

I fear this is all part of the RSPB's take-over of Wallasea Island, and loads of other places up and down our patch. They sponsored the unlit, very large "Anchorage Noticeboard" buoys that have popped up in the Roach, including the one labelled "Potton Creek Anchorage" which was plonked at the entrance to the Yokesfleet, nowhere near Potton Creek...but what do we know?
Birds and wildlife are far more important to the RSPB than pesky yachtsmen. Unfortunately, the spoil has run out and apparently the Wild Coast project could go on for many more years before they find some more to finish the job.
Still, we did get the lit buoyage in the Crouch, although I'm wondering how long that will go on for once they do finish importing spoil by ship?

 

[sailorman]

I fear this is all part of the RSPB's take-over of Wallasea Island, and loads of other places up and down our patch. They sponsored the unlit, very large "Anchorage Noticeboard" buoys that have popped up in the Roach, including the one labelled "Potton Creek Anchorage" which was plonked at the entrance to the Yokesfleet, nowhere near Potton Creek...but what do we know?
Birds and wildlife are far more important to the RSPB than pesky yachtsmen. Unfortunately, the spoil has run out and apparently the Wild Coast project could go on for many more years before they find some more to finish the job.
Still, we did get the lit buoyage in the Crouch, although I'm wondering how long that will go on for once they do finish importing spoil by ship?

We stopped giving to the RSPB 5 yrs ago. Oh & Im off shooting this arvo

 

[DanTribe]

We stopped giving to the RSPB 5 yrs ago. Oh & Im off shooting this arvo

I attended a meeting about The Wallasea Wetlands before it got underway.
I asked how long until we can start harvesting the wildfowl?
Not got much sense of humour, these birdwatchers!

 

[sailorman]

I attended a meeting about The Wallasea Wetlands before it got underway.
I asked how long until we can start harvesting the wildfowl?
Not got much sense of humour, these birdwatchers!

I saved many song birds eggs this arvo :encouragement:

 

[Tomahawk]

Indeed it seems the eco warriers are getting into every crevice of life. They have designated the entire of the Crouch and Roach as wildlife first areas so there can be no more boating facilities allowed... but bird spotters can do whither they please.

 

[Boz]

I have already been told by a goretex warrior, that it was OK to anchor there, [in the Roach] as long as I didn't stay too long.
He disappeared before I could educate him!

I was intrigued and concerned reading this comment. We spend, like many, several overnighters in the Roach during the season. Was there any substance or indeed grounds underlying the comments from the eco-warrior except of course pure arrogance?

 

[DanTribe]

I was intrigued and concerned reading this comment. We spend, like many, several overnighters in the Roach during the season. Was there any substance or indeed grounds underlying the comments from the eco-warrior except of course pure arrogance?

We anchored close to Branklet Spit on the Wallasea shore, you can get in very close to the sea wall and shelter from Westerlies. The guy appeared over the wall and asked what we we doing. It was close enough to talk.
"stopping for lunch"
OK, but don't stay too long, you are very close"
He was gone before I had a chance to tell him we didn't need his permission.
Now, perhaps he was just concerned for our safety, but again, I didn't need navigation instructions from a birdwatcher.

 

[Burnham Bob]

Maybe someone should tell him walkers and dogs disturb birds more than sailing vessels