"Celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of The Wash. Come explore the history, wildlife, culture and ways of life with us. Guided walks, talks, boat trips, courses and event days for all"
Introduction
2008 is the fifth Wash Week co-ordinated by the Wash Estuary Strategy Group, and as always the success of which is dependent on many other organisations delivering a variety of events during this time. This actually illustrates one of the great strengths of the Wash Estuary Strategy Group, a partnership working.
In recent times we have worked with international partners from Denmark, Germany, Italy, Hungary and the Netherlands, and also in more local terms Cambridgeshire County and Fenland District Councils have joined as partners in specific projects. Through partnership working you can share experiences to improve benefits of work undertaken and ensure more efficient use of resources and funds accessed to undertake projects. One such project which is new this year is the 'Green Infrastructure Master Plan'.
Green Infrastructure is a technical term referring to the networks and corridors of open spaces accesible to people and wildlife and how those spaces interact and connect. It can in some cases include the consideration of the historic and cultural assets of an area also. The Master Plan which we will be developing over the coming months will help inform planning and development in The Wash and Fens area, identify where new open spaces are required or where a link, such as a cycleway, may benefit accessibility to the area.
Resources for this project have been secured from a variety of national, regional and local organisations and authorities, and a new post has been created to deliver the work. The resources were in part secured because this will help various authorities meet Local Area Agreement targets, which is a government initiative to help organisations to work together on focussed action in areas, such as a county, to ensure best use of resources available.
So look out for information on community workshops in the coming year where you can help inform how green infrastructure can work better for you.
General tips and guidelines
Booking and costs
It is best to book for all events or at least ring to check, that way preventing disappointment if you turn up on spec and there is no room for you and yours. Some of the events are free and some will be charged. If the charge is more than £3.00 it is stated in the event listings, but if it is £3.00 or less it is not. Again it is best to ring the individual event organiser in advance.
Food and Drinks
Unless stated presume they may not be available or there will be associated charges.
Transport and Parking
If you are unfamiliar with the area we have provided a rough guide to indicate the locations of the events, more specific information can be gathered at the local Tourist Information Centres: Skegness, Boston, Spalding, King's Lynn and Hunstanton. Parking is available at some sites but a charge may be incurred and free cycle racks are also available at some of the locations. Again it is best to check beforehand with the organiser.
Weather
The Wash is a wild place and the weather can change dramatically. Please check the weather forecast before setting out and wear appropriate clothing for warm or wet conditions. Hopefully being August we will have sunshine so bring hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. If you are going on one of the guided walks or visiting a nature reserve then stout footwear is recommended.
Children
Children are welcome to nearly all of the events (bar where stated) but they should always be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at some of the events but must be kept on leads. At other events it is not appropriate to bring a dog. Please ring the individual event organiser to find out more.
Access
Many of the events are fully accessible to wheelchairs. Please call the event organiser to check details and discuss arrangements where appropriate.
We would like to acknowledge the support of the following:
The Wash Estuary Strategy Group, in partnership with many, are working to promote the sustainable use of the area's resources while trying to maintain the balance that allows the local communities to prosper and safeguards the cultural, historical and natural features for future generations.
The Wash Estuary Strategy Group are kindly supported and funded by:
- Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
- Boston Borough Council
- East Lindsey District Council
- Lincolnshire County Council
- Natural England
- Norfolk County Council
- South Holland District Council
We would also like to thank all those organisations and bodies that have dedicated resources to Wash Week 2008, the fifth of its kind, which are too numerous to mention but the week could not happen without their efforts.
The images within the leaflet were courtesy of:
- Alexandra Knowles
- Brian Ward
- David Smalley
- Fens Tourism
- Nick Ford
- Peter Udy
- Reka Bodna
- Robert Platts
- Simon Baumber
Also, Mavis Platts, who has produced some of the best images in recent years since our photographic competition has been running. Her images embodied all sorts of life around The Wash which brought our calendars to life, as the front cover image of the leaflet testifies to, through her seaside ride in blue skies. To her memory Wash Week 2008 is dedicated, where she will be missed at the launch.
C/o South Holland Internal Drainage Board
Marsh Reeves
Foxes Low Road
Holbeach
Lincolnshire PE12 7PA
Tel: 01406 425518
Fax: 01406 426501
Email: wash_project@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Website: www.washestuary.org.uk
