This project forms a critical part of the implementation of the Ipswich River strategy helping to complete improved foot and cycle access for a large part of the town's population, for commuting and recreational travel.  The provision of new foot/cycle bridges, widened paths and on-site information. The project will also deliver considerable community benefits via a River Warden to act as the focal point for community environmental action and ensure that the river corridor is maintained and enhanced as a key asset to the town. 

Project Scope

The project will deliver a new timber bridge in the Alderman Canal Local Nature Reserve with the necessary construction, widening and surfacing of the path (200m) along the Canal. A water quality study and mitigation feasibility report will be commissioned for Alderman Canal to design and cost the best means of improving the quality of the watercourse. Directional signage (corridor from Historic waterfront to Sproughton), information boards (6) and a detailed leaflet (10,000 copies) will promote the route, greenspaces and river corridor generally. The River Warden post will ensure that the resource is kept to a very high standard and importantly will help generate 300 volunteer days of input each year by direct community engagement.

Aim of the Project

• Access and transport
• Environmental improvement
• Information
• Maintenance
• Habitat enhancement
• Reduction in antisocial behaviour (perception)

Outcome of the Project

• Number of additional users: 6000
• Increase in accessible natural greenspace: yes
• Improvement of strategic access routes: yes
• Enhancements to habitats, the historic environment, distinctive landscape character: yes

Status

Funding for 2009/10 £23,500

Funding for 2010/11 £40,000 (revenue) and £112,100 (capital)

IDP Package: Green Infrastructure

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• River Ranger selected and appointed
• Regular volunteer work days established
• Biodiversity monitoring has been undertaken to ensure that future activities next year do not have an adverse impact on wildlife.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Design of Alderman Canal Bridge and path works underway.
• Most of the designs for the information boards done.  Leaflet design commenced.
• River Ranger very well established with regular volunteer work parties taking place.
• First edition of newsletter 'local wildlife news' circulated to three thousand households.

Status as at 31 March 2010:

• River Ranger has been recruiting new volunteers.
• New Assistant River Ranger for six months through Future Jobs Fund Scheme.
• A large amount of winter habitat management work has been carried out throughout the corridor.
• Regular litter picks have produced frightening amounts of litter.
• Necessary tree work has been carried out in preparation for the siting of the new footbridge at Alderman Canal Local Nature Reserve.
• Overall level of support for the River Ranger is improving with regular working parties attracting 3 or 4 volunteers during the week.
• Funding uncertainty is a problem for this project and this has caused a delay in the commencement of the minor bridge at Alderman Canal and with plans for publicity.

Status as at 30 June 2010:

• Over 100 volunteer days have been supported by the Ranger in the quarter, carrying out a wide range of tasks including path cutting and litter picking through to repairing boardwalks and path surfaces.
• Local people are taking a strong interest in the river and as well as guided walks, the Ranger has met with local residents to discuss problems with the river and its environs.
• Volunteers have benefited from six certificated training courses (first aid, brushcutter/strimmer and woodchipper) so they are able to assist the River Ranger more fully as well as improving their skills and chances of employment.

 Status as at 30 September 2010:

• River Ranger continues to deliver considerable benefits on the ground along the river corridor.
• Volunteer numbers continue to be strong with 179 person days contributed with a high level of local involvement in the construction of a raised boardwalk at Alderman canal.
• The Alderman Canal bridge and paths installation and construction has started.
• A directional signage plan has been commenced.