Open door to the Teign
A new wreck diving site, the reopening of the Stover Canal towpath for the first time in 80 years, plans for Teignmouth’s New Fish Quay and public landing facilities and scientific modelling of sandbanks off Teignmouth are just a few topics of discussion at this year's Teign Estuary Partnership Annual Forum.
Individuals and organisations involved in the management of the Teign Estuary are invited to discuss all this and more when the Forum meets on Tuesday 11 February at 7pm in the Passage House Hotel, Kingsteignton.
Anyone with an interest in learning more is encouraged to attend the free event.
The Teign Estuary Partnership is led by Teignbridge District Council and it co-ordinates the management of the estuary and neighbouring areas with other agencies including Teignmouth Harbour Commission, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Associated British Ports and Devon County Council as well as around 100 local organisations.
The Forum will also be used to launch a Small Grants Scheme where organisations can apply for £500 grants to support community projects around this unique estuary.
Attendees will hear all about a new shipwreck site, situated two nautical miles off Teignmouth/Labrador Bay. The MV Emsstrom was an ex-German Naval training vessels and sank whilst being towed in early 2013 and up until last month access was restricted - but it is now open for diving.
The ship, launched in 1968 as a Fishery Protection Vessel, is 67-metre-long, 2,310 tonnes and lies in about 25m of water. Over the next few years the wreck is expected to form a reef community – ideal for intrepid divers to explore.
The Forum will show some footage taken recently and will be a great opportunity for non divers to see the hidden world beneath the waves.
The event will also highlight several new opportunities, public facilities and external funding grants as canvassing the priorities of all parties.
Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesperson for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Sylvia Russell, is Chairman of the Partnership. She said:
“We’re looking forward to this year’s forum. There’s lots to talk about this year in a broad range of topics and has one or two fun elements.
“These are challenging times and the Partnership itself has undertaken something of an internal review which means at the Forum we can properly launch a Small Grants Scheme helping local groups or clubs by funding activities which help enhance or improve the common asset of the estuary and surrounding coasts.
“By working together we can all make the most of the coastline which is one of our key natural and economic resources. From major construction schemes and scientific research through natural factors such as cliff falls, landslips and flooding, to the excellent work undertaken by local voluntary and sports groups, the event offers something for everyone with an interest in this very special area.”
There will be an opportunity for attendees to sample some Teign Estuary mussels and Bishopsteignton wines. Free tickets to attend are available from the Estuaries and Coastal team, part of Teignbridge District Council’s Economy and Assets Service, on 01626 215479 or email: coastal@teignbridge.gov.uk
