MINUTES for the Meeting held on Monday 17th October 2005 at the Civic Centre, Barnstaple, at 7.00p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. R. Day, Chairman, (Instow PC and CPRE), Mr.T.Pratt, Vice-Chairman, (NDYC), Mr.J.Bell, (Northam TC), Mr.A.Leyman, (E.A.), Mr.C.Hassall, (Rolle Canal Soc.), Mr. P. Hammond, Mr. N. Davies, (ND.Jetski Club), Mrs. W. Dale, (RNLI), Mr.T.Jones, (Devon Birds), Mr.J.Diamond, (EN), Mr.J.Brooks, (ND.Waterski Club), Cllr. R. Knight, (Barnstaple TC), Mr.J.Daniel, (TTNets), Mr.R.Butler, (UKMAB), Mr.R.Dyer, (Braunton Marsh Inspectors), Mr.J.Breeds, (MoD), Cllr.P. Mullen, (Fremington PC), Mr.A.Atkinson, (SWF.Sea Anglers), Mr.A.Bell, (NDCCS), Mrs.A.Humphris, Hon Sec.

1. APOLOGIES for ABSENCE: Lt.Col.M.Portman, (MoD), Mr.G.Hydes, (Bideford Canoe Club), Cllr.H. Barton, (Bideford TC), Cllr. Mrs. M. Shapland, (Braunton PC), Mr. J. Sharp, (Fremington PC), Ms.C.Roberts, (DWT), Mr. M. Davies, (RSPB), Mr. P.Fronteras, (Westleigh PC), Mr. L. Oldham, (TTWFC), Cllr. A. Windsor, (Barnstaple TC), Mr. J. Hartnoll, (Braunton Marsh Inspectors). Mr.D.Perkins, (RMB Chivenor), Mr. R. Hoad, (Bideford Harbour Master).

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting held on Monday 18th. July 2005:
James Diamond proposed, Tim Jones seconded the adoption of the Minutes, and Members voted to adopt them.

3. Matters Arising from the Minutes:
(a) Estuary Report:
Devon Living Coasts Conference:
This is to take place on Thursday, 27th. October 2005 at the Met Office in Exeter.
Devon Maritime Forum: At the Met. Office, Exeter.
The Chairman has been invited to attend this Forum on 28th October 2005 on behalf of the Forum.
South West Climate Change & Tourism Workshop Event:
This event was held at Filleigh Village Hall on 5th October.
TTEF Annual Visit:
A tour of the Met Office was suggested as a possible TTEF visit. The Chairman is to make enquiries.
Dredging at Appledore Shipyard:
Appledore Shipbuilders have applied for a licence to dredge again in the Estuary. It is intended to remove the sediment wholesale and transport it by barge to the Bristol Channel. Consultations will be made to all agencies involved.
Pontoon moored downstream of the Torridge Bridge:
The Chairman reported that no planning permission to use this pontoon as a tea room has been applied for.
Capt Johnson had informed the Chairman that the pontoon is certainly not HMS Hindustan. He suggested that it may have been nicknamed HMS Hindustan but had never been one of Her Majesty’s ships.
The Chairman said that she had been given to understand that Torridge District Council is trying to do something about the wrecks in the Port of Bideford.
North Devon District Council is also looking at the issue of houseboats, etc. at Barnstaple, but Peter Mullen reported that they have yet to meet to discuss the issue.
John Daniel reported that there was another boat now moored at East-the-Water.
Avian Flu:
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is working closely with DEFRA, who has put out a helpline number to ring – 08459 335 577.
Ducks, geese and wading birds are of particular concern, especially species of Tufted Duck, the Pochard Duck and Teal etc., which come from infected areas because they are more likely to come into contact with poultry.
Tim Jones (Devon Birds) advised people to keep a general eye for signs such as mass fatalities for no apparent reason.
“Superboom” Trials in the Helford Estuary:
A new type of “superboom” is being trialed in the Helford Estuary for use in the eventuality of an oil spill. The boom is attached to mid-channel moorings.
North Devon Maritime Museum Trafalgar Weekend:
To mark the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, there will be a 3-day Exhibition at St. Mary’s Church Hall, Appledore on Friday 21st., Saturday 22nd. and Sunday 23rd October.
• Commodore Noel Preston-Jones RN will be transferred by the launch Almond from Instow Quay to Appledore, where Major General Nick Ansell will receive him.
• There will be a church parade at 10.30 am on Sunday, followed by a service at St. Mary’s. There will be displays, lectures, talks, exhibitions, pirates and pressgangs, fireworks and a beacon.
Beach Lifeguards:
NDDC has no updated information beyond the report that was circulated to members at the July meeting. However, there is a possibility that the RNLI will be taking over the lifeguarding on Woolacombe and Croyde beaches next season.
Marine Bill Forum:
Baroness Miller had sent information to the Chairman about how to register the TTEF on the stakeholder database for regular updates regarding the forthcoming Marine Bill Forum events.
The Chairman has passed this information to TDC, NDDC and the NDCCS.
o Record of discussions for the Marine Bill Forum on the 26th September is now available on the Defra website:www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/here.htm
o Any comments on issues relating to the Marine Bill should be sent to:
E-mail: MarineLegislationDivision@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Post: Marine Legislation Division
Area 2E
Depart for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
3-8 Whitehall Place,
London. SW1A 2HH
o The next step towards the draft Bill being published is to undertake a public consultation.
o The Defra Marine Bill Team will be adding to the information available on their website.
Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service Annual Report:
Photocopies of the report were handed out at the meeting.
Shoreline Management Plan:
The Shoreline Management Plan for this coastal cell – Hartland to Brean Down in Somerset – will start up again in the next financial year.
NDDC Biodiversity Action Plan:
This plan was relaunched a week before the meeting.
Meeting with Mr. John van de Laarschot, Chief Executive, Torridge District Council:
The Chairman is to meet with Mr. Van de Laarschot on Friday 25th. November 2005 at 2.00p.m.

(b). Braunton Burrows Files:
The Chairman had written a letter to the North Devon Journal on behalf of the Forum, to inform its readers of the existence and purpose of the files in Braunton, Barnstaple and Bideford Libraries. The files were updated in August and the Chairman has now contacted all of the participating organisations again to ask if there are any further updates. The Chairman has received:
 The NDCCS Annual Report
 The AONB Autumn/Winter Newsletter 2005/6 and the 2004/5 Annual Review
 The Army Training Estate Annual Report 2004/5
for inclusion.
TTEF Minutes from the July and October Meetings will also be included.

(c) Biosphere Reserve Report: Annual Report:
The Chairman handed out copies of the July Biosphere Reserve Newsletter.
Andy Bell gave a report from the October Newsletter.
The Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service (NDCCS) has teamed up with the ND Marketing Bureau to promote local food within North Devon. Organic food producers already feature strongly in the group and are supplying local shops and restaurants.
Projects under Development:
Interpretation Strategy: The strategy is currently at the printers prior to public consultation.
North Devon Biodiversity Action Plan: the North Devon Biodiversity Forum launched the revision of this Action Plan.
Climate Change Conference: The NDCCS ran this conference targeted towards the Tourism Sector and Local Strategic Partnerships in collaboration with ENVision.
The Coastal and Floodplain Grazing Marsh Project: Projects are underway at Northam Burrows and Chivenor.
Education: A local filmmaker, working for Deepwater Films, is producing a video about the Biosphere Reserve.
UNESCO is commissioning a TV documentary showing the contribution of biosphere reserves to sustainable development worldwide. Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve will be one of the biosphere reserves featured.

Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve Report: July – October 2005.
John Breeds gave this report.
Management Issues:
Small-scale scrub clearance commenced alongside one Lane on October 1st. The larger scale programme for this winter has not yet been finalised.
Grazing animals: 27 Portland sheep have been pastured in Fox Slack since Aug. 5th with another 20 following in mid October. 37 cattle have been grazing the Flats since mid July.
Vehicle Access: No change in the situation – vehicle trespass has continued on the beach and has led to holiday visitors following their example. The area disturbed by the positioning of the boulders is recovering well.
Rare Species: The Sea Stock survey is being completed and so far shows healthy populations in some of the foredunes, with scattered plants on bare sheltered areas within the dune system.
A thorough and extensive survey of Water Germander has been completed with 39,342 stems counted including a well-established colony in a new location in the north part of the dune system, previously overlooked. The plant has returned to six out of seven of its former sites as a result of special excavations to recreate suitable conditions, the seventh being too dry.
Round-headed club rush is flourishing where mowing and scrub clearance has taken place and along with sharp rush and knotted pearlwort, are colonising some of the 1999/2000 excavations.
Dr. David Holyoak has recently reintroduced from Ainsdale dunes, near Southport, a very rare moss that disappeared from the Burrows in 1998, onto excavations that now provide a suitable habitat.
Research and Monitoring: The recording of monthly rainfall and water table readings has continued showing that water tables remain low. Rabbit counts show the rabbit population remains nearly as high as last summer. The sand lizard introduced in 2001, has bred this year but its population remains low.
Publicity: Manned exhibition boards on Braunton Burrows were displayed at the Georgeham and Croyde Show on August 20th.
Biosphere Activities/ Education: Twenty local volunteers cleared litter from the beach and foredunes on Sept 11th.
Five illustrated lectures have been given to local organisations. The programme of 16 consecutive talks at Braunton Countryside Centre encompassed a variety of local environmental topics and included one specifically explaining the necessity for management work to maintain the maximum biodiversity on conservation sites and for which a handout was produced and distributed.
The Guided Walks programme has been very successful and well supported – a total of 300+ people took part throughout the season. There have been several specialised events that have proved popular such as family activities with pond dipping and wildlife sounds and sights at dusk. The Devon Butterfly Conservation Group held a field meeting on July31st.
An International Dendrochronologists’ Symposium was hosted at Hallsannery and some participants chose the Burrows for their projects.

Complete copies of these reports can be found on the Taw Torridge Estuary Forum’s website www.ttef.org.uk

(d) Fast Leisure Craft Joint Working Party:
Andy Bell reported on the meeting held on 5th October 2005.
The group discussed the list of recommendations taken from the DEFRA Guide.
Andy Bell is to contact the RYA Barrister to get guidelines on Byelaw 15, which will be circulated. Then to call a working group on the legal definitions in Byelaw 15, take advice from lawyers and other Authorities.
NDDC were discussing renewal of the lease of the foreshore. Peter Mullen reported that no decision was taken at that meeting and the matter was deferred to the next Area Committee Meeting.
It was suggested that a dedicated officer was needed to oversee the estuary management.
Phil Hammond (ND Jetski & PWC) mentioned the need for different coloured permits each year, complete with a photo and proof of insurance.
Tony Pratt commented that reporting any incidents of unsafe or antisocial behaviour is essential
John Brookes (NDWaterski Club) pointed out that there were crab tiles in a dangerous position in the water ski area. This is an ongoing problem and he was concerned that someone would be injured.
The Chairman is to write to NDDC and the Braunton Marsh Inspectors about the Health and Safety issues concerning the dangerous crab tiles.
The Braunton Marsh Inspectors reported that the mooring of houseboats was on the increase.
The Chairman to contact NDDC on this issue.
The Chairman gave out copies of the article ‘Personal Watercraft Sea Safety Guidelines’ from the RNLI Magazine.
(e) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty:
The AONB News:
The Main news for this quarter is the Sustainable Development Fund. The £100,000 offered by DEFRA to distribute as grant aid has now been committed.
The PR programme is going well. Information boards for nearly every North Devon Heritage Centre are being printed and they should all be in place for next season.
The Photographic Competition was well supported with over 250 entries.
The SW AONB and National Parks Calendars are to be distributed shortly.
A complete copy of the AONB News and Report can be found on the website:
www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk
The Chairman and Vice-chairman have been very involved in the AONB Sustainability Development Fund working group.
Richard Butler, Vice-Chairman of the AONB Partnership reported on the Meeting at which they had a Presentation by the National Trust on Shifting Shores.

(f) Appledore Quay Wall:
A copy of the information brochure for the Public Exhibition and the Consultation Form were circulated to members before the meeting.
Andy Bell gave a PowerPoint presentation produced by Halcrow and the Environment Agency.
From the presentation information, Andy Bell explained the background to the Appledore Quay Wall Treatment project. He also set out the current situation, how Halcrow went about finding an alternative, and the main issues. Possible alternatives, and why they had been discounted, were also explained.
The proposed wall treatment was explained and also the next steps in the process. Halcrow will need to submit a planning application to TDC for the concrete cladding.
Torridge District Council will decide the final design.
If planning permission is granted, it will take 7 months before work can start on site. This time is needed to prepare further trial panels and to tender documents, to invite contractors to tender for the work and to award the contract. Construction will take 26 weeks.
The Chairman requested individual member organisations to make their views known by means of the consultation questionnaire.
After much discussion, the members were not convinced that the proposed option was the most suitable.
Tony Pratt proposed and Peter Mullen seconded the following resolution: -
“While appreciating the Environment Agency’s efforts to consult and take into account the problems of rising sea levels, the TTEF is disappointed that with modern technology and traditions of quay wall building, the contractors are unable to produce something other than concrete cladding to remedy the problem”.
13 Members voted in favour of the resolution, there were 4 abstentions, and 1 non-voting member. The resolution was carried.
The Chairman is to inform Halcrow of the Forum’s comments and the resolution passed.
The Chairman did stress that this was a consultation process and the Forum would still be able to comment when the planning application was made.


(g) Moorings in the Fairway/Trinity House Survey:
Both Tony Pratt and John Daniel reported that there were no further changes so the matter is to be held until the next meeting.
There was no update on the Trinity House Survey.

(h) Bathing Water Quality:
The Chairman gave out copies of the EA Bathing Water Monitoring Results for 2005.
 Both Westward Ho! and Saunton have passed the Guideline (blue flag) standard for the year.
 Instow has failed the Imperative Standard by failing two tests. A pollution incident was responsible for one failure.
 Bideford Yeo had marginally failed, this is being investigated.
 Tapeley stream was being investigated.
Jeremy Bell’s (Northam TC) complaint had been upheld – coliforms had been found in the sample. Phil Siddall (EA) had been in touch with Jeremy Bell on the matter.



(i)Liaison with NDDC:
The Chairman had updated everyone on her meeting with Brian Holme, the Head of Community Development and Leisure Services at NDDC. Just before the Forum meeting, Brian Holme had contacted the Chairman to say that a restructured NDDC Task Team had met and decisions had been made, so by the next meeting there should be an officer attending for the agreed two meetings a year.

(j) Barnstaple Western Bypass and Downstream Bridge:
The Chairman handed out copies of the Newsletter 7.
The Chairman had spoken to Nuttalls and Mr. Mike Phillips will be attending the next Forum meeting to give a presentation on the project.
Mr. Pete Smith gave an update for the meeting:-
o Work is slightly behind schedule, but they are on course to finish by May 2007.
o There will be another 10 weeks of traffic disruption, as they are putting in 20,000 of fill per week during that time.
o The causeway is temporary; at the moment they have completed Pier 5 (North), and are working on the other piers.
o The bridge will be built in segments, which will be cast on site. The finished bridge will look similar to that of Bideford, but will only be a third as high.
o The superstructure is a balanced cantilever, which goes out half way from each span, and meets in the middle. This is then stressed back with cables.
o Ecological surveys are being done on otter, badger, bats and wintering wildfowl.
o The saltmarsh has been removed, and is temporarily stored on site and watered. It will be reinstated when the causeway is finished.
o When the tide goes out, it traps fish in pools on the upstream side. A pair of kingfishers has taken up residence, quite oblivious of the ten-ton trucks trundling by!
The Barnstaple Bypass website has a webcam showing pictures of progress, also the monthly newsletters are archived on the website.
www.barnstaplebypass.com

4 URGENT MATTERS:
None.

5 CONSULTATIONS:
Fullabrook Down Wind Turbine Project:
No further responses were received from members.
At a DCC meeting held at the Civic Centre, members voted to oppose the application by 10 votes to 2.
Environment Agency CAMS Consultation:
This consultation has now closed. The Final Document will be available in due course.
DCC County Waste Local Plan Re-Deposit Version:
No comments were received from members.
NDDC Longbridge – Pedestrian and Carriageway Improvements:
This was just a minor change in the plan; therefore no further comment was necessary.
Water for Life and Livelihoods – A strategy for River Basin Planning:
A summary of responses has been received; this is available from the Chairman on request.
Environment Agency – Corporate Strategy 2006-11 – Consultation Document:
Chairman is to respond by the end of October.
Proposed Dredging of Marine Aggregates at Culver Sand Area 472, Inner Bristol Channel:
Response from WynThomas Gordon Lewis to the concerns we raised previously. Copies available from the Chairman upon request.

6 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Flora Locale – Go Native – Planting for Biodiversity Awards
Environment Agency – Your Environment – magazine
Woodland Trust – Please tell us if the UK's ancient woods matter to you
NDDC Estuary Alliance – PowerPoint Presentation – Local Development Framework
and Statement of Community Involvement
National Trust – Forecast? – Changeable! Some examples of climate change impacts
National Trust – More than Pretty Place – the NT in the South West
National Trust – Discover the Coast & Countryside
CPRE - Devon Countryside Matters – September 2005 N.58
Army Training Estate – Annual Report 2004/5 – Facilitating Training and Protecting the
Environment

7. AGENDA ITEMS for next Meeting:
Presentation by Mike Phillips – Barnstaple Downstream Bridge.

8 ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Peter Mullen (Fremington PC) voiced his council’s concerns re clay pigeon shooting by the MOD. He was advised to contact Lt Col Portman.
2. Richard Dyer (Braunton Marsh Commissioners) informed that the Hornsey Island gate failed causing flooding to a number of acres. The matter is under control.
3. Wendy Dale (RNLI) gave notice of two events; - Art Exhibition and Sale at the North Devon Yacht Club Oct 21 –26th. and A Concert by Hearts of Oak at NDYC 27th Oct.
4. James Diamond (EN) gave information of a meeting with Northam TC, EN and the Graziers to discuss the reduction of grazing levels on Northam Burrows.
5. Tim Jones (Devon Birds) asked that people are vigilant as regards the possible Avian Flu. For information or to report incidents use the website: www.wwt.org.uk
6. Andy Leyman (EA) reported on behalf of SWW that they had spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on a denitrification plant at Ashford to reduce the amount of nitrates going into the estuary, which will eventually reduce the algal blooms etc. This is now in operation.

9 Date of next meeting:
Monday 16th. January, 2006. A.G.M. at Bideford Town Hall at 7p.m.

There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.35p.m.