Update on “Leisure on the Deben Estuary” Survey Results
East Suffolk Council’s rejection of the commercial hire of personal watercraft on the Deben Estuary (a decision with NO effect on the private use of personal watercraft) brought into focus several issues regarding the use of the estuary.
A survey was constructed by the River Deben Association and Deben Estuary Partnership that concentrated on everyone’s use of the estuary and in particular how its leisure users and wildlife can best coexist.
The results (450 respondents) are now in! (Detailed Survey)
ABOUT THE RIVER DEBEN ASSOCIATION
The River Deben Association (The Association) was formed in 1990 to represent the views of its membership, as a group, in pursuance of the objectives laid out below.
The Association is an unincorporated, non-charitable, non-partisan association of members who share an interest in The River Deben and its catchment area, from source to mouth, either as residents or businesses in the area, boat owners, walkers, bird watchers or anyone who gains pleasure from the river.
The Association, through its Committee:
- Partners with bodies who regulate and influence The River Deben, e.g. Statutory Agencies, Local Authorities, Harbourmasters, Suffolk Coast Forum, Fairways Committees, Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust and other conservation etc. The Association is a founding member of the Deben Estuary Partnership and sits on its Steering Group.
- Reviews planning applications that may impact The River Deben and comments accordingly in line with the Association’s objectives.
- Encourages proposals which conserve The River Deben, supporting appropriate future developments.
- Resists proposals which could have a detrimental impact on The River Deben.
- Undertakes environmental and ecological surveys of The River Deben to increase knowledge and understanding of the evolving environment.
- Promotes the preparation and dissemination of information and educational material about the River Deben in furtherance and
- Networks between involved parties.
- Supports local businesses and the enhancement of visitors’ experiences
- Targets holding at least 2 members’ meetings each year, (providing, where possible, guest speakers) and issuing at least 2 members’ magazines each year.
The Objectives of The Association are:
- To conserve and celebrate the character, beauty and environment of The River Deben for the benefit of current and future generations.
- To promote the enjoyment of The River Deben through, but not limited to, the Association’s website, forums, education, study and the preparation and dissemination of communication materials.
The Association now has over 950 members and we encourage all those who love the river to join.