Welcome to CMYC...dinghy Sailing club in Sussex |
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The Mariners have a well deserved reputation for being a very friendly club with a relaxed atmosphere, so if you're interested in sailing, do feel free to come and visit us for a chat. Organised events take place on most weekends from March to December, or take advantage of a free trial sail on one of our Open days |
The way I see it ..............
I am quite often at Hedgecourt when very few others are around, and I have the opportunity to enjoy our lake and woodland when all is peaceful and serene. I am very conscious that this area has been enjoyed by people for hundreds of years, and although it is our sailing lake, we have a duty to keep it beautiful and unspoilt for future generations.
As Hedgecourt and the surrounding land is designated as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) we were visited this month by Julie Russ who is a Land Management Adviser working for Natural England. It is Natural England’s responsibility to inspect SSSIs regularly to ensure that the areas are maintained for the benefit of nature generally. If it was felt that we were doing something that was detrimental to the area we would have to take appropriate action. Julie spent several hours with us and enjoyed a trip round the lake, examining the more inaccessible areas. I am delighted to report that Julie was happy with the work we do to maintain the lake and estate. However, she mentioned that cutting back some overhanging trees, removing some reeds and dredging would be desirable. Julie mentioned that it would be an advantage if the penstock could be opened regularly, as this would help to remove some of the silt from the lake.
I am really pleased that what Julie suggested for the benefit of wildlife coincides perfectly with our needs as sailors and can be of benefit to us all. Your Tuesday Club already has plans for some of this work, and will be working alongside Surrey Wildlife Trust to remove some reeds later in the year. Watch this space for a future work party in the autumn!
On the sailing front, this year’s Level 1 and 2 sailing courses are now in full swing as well as our racing and cruising programme.
Don’t forget, our Dry Meeting this month will be held at Hedgecourt at 19.00 and if you are not interested in model boat racing, come along anyway and enjoy an evening by the lake.
Adrian
This page is edited by the Commodore - Adrian Fisher, he may be contacted via the Contact page.