Severn Estuary Partnership Forum 2023
I had a great day in Cardiff this week at the annual Severn Estuary Partnership Forum, hosted by Cardiff University, representing our ward and gaining a better understanding of the River Severn, which plays such a huge role in day to day life in the ward.
The Severn Estuary is one of the largest estuaries in Britain and has the second highest tidal range in the world. It has a natural and cultural heritage which deserves special attention, and is a living and working environment for the communities who live around its shores and care about its future. The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) was set up in 1995 as an independent initiative, hosted by Cardiff University, to work with local stakeholders in promoting a sustainable approach to the planning, management, and development of the Severn Estuary for all who live and work here.
It was superb to see the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, Local Authority councillors from England and Wales, and Officer's from along the River Severn. We got to hear some of the superb work that’s being done to protect the coastline through partners and agencies, using public and private funding, and even hear about a pilot scheme to re-introduce white-tailed eagles into the area through a Welsh led initiative!
The climate and our natural environment are hugely important, especially here in Pilning & Severn Beach where the river plays such a large role locally. I’m going to liaise with the Severn Estuary Partnership to see what support they can offer local residents, community groups and schools to help us learn more about the River, share best practise to protect our coastline and educate young people about the wildlife in our area. I’ll be feeding back the key takeaways from the forum and the examples of best practise from other Council’s to our cabinet lead Louise to help improve things across South Gloucestershire.
Want to find out more?
Visit the Severn Estuary Partnership website https://severnestuarypartnership.org.uk/ and subscribe to their e-newsletter
Simon Johnson