Norfolk Broads dredging targets exceeded

Stephen PullingerThe Broads Authority has exceeded its target for dredging for the second year running by excavating 50,000cu m of sediment - more than 10pc more mud than planned.Stephen Pullinger

The Broads Authority has exceeded its target for dredging for the second year running by excavating 50,000cu m of sediment - more than 10pc more mud than planned.

Malthouse Broad and Ranworth Dam were dredged last year for the first time since 1963, improving one of the most popular boating areas on the Broads.

The proximity of the disposal site on the River Bure, opposite Upton Marshes, where 26,000cu m of mud - 8,000cu m more than expected - was deposited, meant that Malthouse Broad was completed a year early.

The broad's owner, Charles Cator, recalled how it was last dredged in the winter of 1963 when it froze over and a member of the team used to cycle over it to keep the boiler in the steam dredger fired up round the clock.

Depth has been improved to 1.8m at low water, bringing the broad back to its required specification, except in the bays and at private moorings where shallower depths can be expected.

Dredging continued upstream of Ludham Bridge on the River Ant to above How Hill to a depth of 1.8m when 6,000cu m of mud was removed. Dredging will continue as far as Barton Broad at a later stage.

Shoals and obstacles that were reported at Thurne Mouth after the open regatta at the end of May were removed in time for the Three Rivers Race the following weekend. Willow trees have been cut from the opposite bank at Thurne Mouth.

Trudi Wakelin, director of waterways, said: 'We are delighted that the dredging operation has gone so efficiently this year and we have made inroads into the task ahead. It continues to demonstrate the success of taking the dredging operation in house.'