SSSI

We are in the privileged position at Middle Nene of being within an area considered to be of Special Scientific Interest, particularly in regard to the wildfowl and birds that use our lake, many of which are protected species.
 
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are overseen and in practical terms administered by English Nature. To try and put a complex situation in a nutshell we are bound to care for the natural environment so as not to cause harm to it or the wildlife within it, and in a best practice scenario we should be improving the natural sustainability for wildlife.
 
To this end we are permitted in a legal sense to carry out certain activities, these were negotiated between the club and English Nature when the Nene Valley was declared an SSSI, and are formally called 'Consented activities' As so many committee staff and club members have changed over the last few years, It seemed appropriate to publish the Consented Activities so that we can all be aware of them. All of our land is an SSSI except the area of the Clubhouse, Workshops and Boat parks which are NOT included in these regulations. They should however be governed by our own common sense.

CONSENTED ACTIVITY

• Recreational sailing both cruising and racing of dinghies, keel boats and windsurfers between 1 March and 31 December by Club members and their guests.
  
• A maximum of 5 powered boats may be used for rescue or habitat management purposes only; no other powered craft may be used.
  
• Fishing by up to 40 anglers at any one time throughout the year (including night fishing). Fishing to take place from the bank only. Trimming of the vegetation around swims may be undertaken. Fish stocking will be dealt with through the normal Environment Agency stocking licence procedures.
  
• Use of approved aquatic herbicide for the control of Elodea canadensis as required during the growing season. By jetties and slipways only.
  
• Cutting of Elodea canadensis twice between November and April each year.
  
• Lowering of the lake level by removal of sluice boards to facilitate maintenance to frontage and slipways, and to provide extra compensation flood water capacity for EA. To be undertaken between 1 December and 1 Mach annually.
  
• Mowing of public and permissive paths between March and November in each year. Works to be undertaken by club members with agricultural tractor pulling gang mower or topper unit.
  
• Spot treatment of approved herbicides around recently planted trees and encouragement of grass on Environment Agency controlled flood spill ways.
  
• Removal of inert material on the lake environs to widen permissive path in the North East corner of Thrapston lake.
  
• Control of Rabbits by humane methods e.g. ferreting.
  
• Continuation of woodland management by pollarding and coppicing in accordance with Woodland Grant scheme 016000681. Works to be undertaken between November and March. Burning of woodland management debris during November to March.

In very basic terms, if it isn't on the list, we can't do it, we hope this helps with your understanding of our duty of care for the environment, and the future planning of club activities.

Mike Moore