Project Hereward Video Story Book

Outline Topic Run time (minutes) Cumulative Total Introduction 1 Project Aims 0.5 1.5 Benefits 2.5 Historical Background 3.5 View of Welches Dam 4.5 Plan of Action for Welches Dam 5.5 View of Horseway / Vermuden’s Channel & Lock 2 7.5 Plan of Action for Horseway / Vermuden’s Channel & Lock 9 Community Involvement & Volunteering Opportunities 9.5 Conclusion & Contacts 10

Introduction 1 min Welcome statement Narrator introduction (Hereward the Wake / ??) Show where Welches Dam & Horseway Channel is located - zoom in on satellite map Orientate with local communities / key locations: i.e. Welches Dam / Purls Bridge / RSPB / Chatteris /Manea / Ouse Washes How to get there

Project Aims 30 seconds Commentary outlining project aims: Restore Welches Dam Lock Restore navigation through Horseway Channel Promote alternative uses of channel & banks: Footpath / linear park (Chatteris / Horseway to Welches Dam) – access to RSPB site / Ouse Washes Cycle path Fishing Boating : canoeing, rowing etc Create a better environment for aquatic wildlife Education - contribute to historical knowledge of the area, particularly the origins, construction & uses of the channel Use film clips of boating / fishing / cycling / marine life & old photos during the commentary

Benefits 1 min Commentary accompanied by appropriate photos: Recreational Navigation, Paddle Sports Fisheries and Angling Walkers and Ornithologists Agriculture (Irrigation and Emergency Flood Channel) Opportunity to transfer water to mitigate pollution Flora and Fauna and the natural environment An education resource – a living outdoor classroom The hamlets of Welches Dam and Purls Bridge Local businesses including the Ship Inn

Historical Background 1 min Commentary accompanied by photos & maps on the following topics: Draining of the Fens 4th Earl of Bedford & “Old Bedford Channel” – purpose & construction Vermuden – purpose & construction of the 40ft / “Vermuden’s Drain” in the 17th century Addition of “Welches Dam” in the Old Bedford Impact of lower water levels in the Middle Level & construction of Welches Dam & Horseway Uses of the 40ft / Welches Dam by commercial traffic in the 19th / 20th century More recent restoration & use by leisure traffic

Welches Dam Lock 1 Min Drone over-fly with accompanying commentary particularly with reference to: EA piles at the entrance, preventing navigation Good condition of lock gates Restoration work required on wing walls Possible restoration on the base boards

Plan of Action for Welches Dam 1 Min Commentary (Andrew?) on work plan interspersed with relevant photos & drawings to include: EA involvement & participation Initial survey to confirm required work Anticipated work required Projected costs & timescale & sources of funds People & skills needed to carry out work & opportunities for local community & volunteers Explanatory boards / information around the lock

View of Horseway / Vermuden’s Channel & Lock 2 min Drone over-fly with accompanying commentary particularly with reference to: Leakage issues Identification of leaks Vegetation growth in the channel Good condition of Horseway Lock Possible virtual boat trip – as seen from a camera on boat, but using drone or video on a boat from other similar waterway

Plan of Action for Horseway / Vermuden’s Channel & Lock 1.5 Min Commentary on work plan interspersed with relevant photos & drawings to include: EA involvement & participation Local community consultation – particularly on inclusion of footpaths / cycle paths, angling stages, wildlife enhancement, information etc Use of membrane material to seal leaks How membrane would be laid Stages of laying membrane & re-watering the channel Anticipated plant / equipment & material required Projected costs & timescale & sources of funds People & skills needed to carry out work & opportunities for local community & volunteers Explanatory boards / information along the channel

Community Involvement / Volunteering 0.5 Commentary on: Consultation on the work envisaged How the Project could be enhanced to widen it’s appeal & uses of the channel to the surrounding community Skills required in the project & opportunities for involvement Links in with local organisations: i.e. Local councils, drainage boards, land owners, OWLP, EA Fund raising activities

Conclusion & Contacts 0.5 Min Commentary over Project Hereward web-site page: Keep an eye on our website for latest information - www.project-hereward.org Reiterate main project aims & appeal for support & funds