The official opening of the new slipway and canoe launching point on the River Glen at Surfleet was a big success, with about 30 children and adults having a go at canoeing.
The event took place last Thursday (21 Aug) and was open for everyone to attend to see the new slipway and have a go at canoeing with a coach from the British Canoe Union (BCU). Visitors also had the chance to go on a boat trip along the River Glen, provided by the Spalding Water Taxi.
With the aim of making Lincolnshire’s waterways more accessible to local communities,
the slipway project has been managed by the Environment Agency and constructed by the contractor John Martin-Hoyes Ltd.
The site makes it easier for typical trailer-mounted boats to access the River Glen, as well as offering safe and convenient access for other recreational uses. Also available at the site are cycle stands and two picnic tables, and a section of the river bank has been re-profiled to provide an area of wet margin for wildlife.
Environment Agency Northern Area Manager, Andy Baxendale and Mary Powell from Lincolnshire County Council officially opened the slipway.
The event was well attended, with children and adults of all ages, including a birthday party, enjoying the activities on offer. Canoe sessions were free for everyone who wanted a go, with equipment and training provided by Rutland Canoe Club.
The slipway was funded by Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership and the Environment Agency as part of the Fens Waterways Link project, which aims to connect the Cathedral cities of Lincoln, Peterborough and Ely, incorporating the market towns of Boston, Spalding, Crowland and Ramsey.
The Fens Waterways Link is the biggest waterway enhancement project in Europe and, when complete, will open up 240 km of waterway; 80 km of new waterway and provide increased access to 160 km. In association with other waterway regeneration schemes, the Link will create a new circular waterway for recreation, tourism and the environment, through the Fens.
The BCU is run by canoe enthusiasts country-wide, giving local communities the opportunity to have a go at canoeing.
Waterways team leader, Nick Bromidge from the Environment Agency said; ‘Seeing people from all ages enjoying canoeing shows what an asset this facility will be to the local community. We hope that more people will be encouraged to 'have a go' at canoeing and boating and enjoy their local river.'