First of all I want to thank all staff at the Authority for how they have adapted to the changes needed to continue their day-to-day work. For some this has meant working from home, or for others it has meant working in social isolation while they continue essential safety and maintenance tasks (some pictures are included throughout this briefing). Our staff have had to react quickly to the ever-changing Government guidelines and continue to ensure we are providing quality information to keep the public informed. 

Secondly, I want to thank our private boat owners who are continuing to support the maintenance of the waterways through paying their tolls. I appreciate it is frustrating that you can’t use your boats, but without your contributions we could not continue to carry out the essential maintenance and safety work that is keeping the Broads in a good condition for when the restrictions are lifted. A massive thank you all who have already paid, and please remember to get in touch with our tolls team if you are struggling to pay due to financial difficulties.

Finally, on behalf of the Authority I would like to thank everyone who has been following the Government restrictions on social distancing and has been refraining from visiting the Broads. Generally speaking our Rangers have reported that the waterways and nearby areas are very quiet and that the message has gotten through about the need to stay at home, so thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this difficult and challenging time.

To try and help hire boat companies the Authority has been proactive in drawing to their attention a clause in its legislation specifically designed for boatyards, stating that where hire boats are not being used and are effectively in storage they are not subject to a toll. We have great concerns about the future of tourism locally and wish all the companies well.

The prospect of a drastic reduction in navigation income through tolls has created a potential funding gap for ourselves and I have written to the Secretary of State for the Environment (along with the CEOs of British Marine and the Canals and Rivers Trust who face similar issues) raising this very point and asking for urgent financial support.

We have taken steps to ensure the safety of boaters that are still on the water. Everyone must follow Government instructions to stay at home, however, some people have no choice but to be on their boat as it is their only home. Our Rangers are still out there, keeping those that are on the water safe and offering advice when required.

• Our Visitor Information Centres are closed to the public. We can however offer information over the phone and email (01603 782281 hovetontic@broads-authority.gov.uk).
• Broads Control, which monitors the waterways and helps coordinate responses to emergencies, is contactable on Broads.Control@broads-authority.gov.uk or 01603 756056. Always ring 999 in the first instance for emergencies.
• Great Yarmouth Yacht Station and Reedham Quay will still be staffed daily from 9am - 5pm due to safety implications. Norwich Yacht Station will remain closed. We will monitor and review the need to maintain this service over the coming weeks.
• On our website we have put together information and a list of essential services for those who live aboard.
• And we have compiled a page with answers to some frequently asked questions about Coronavirus and the Broads.

Boaters have asked about Boat Safety Certificates that have lapsed. The joint owners of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) are allowing a temporary extension to safety certificates for those craft requiring an examination in the period until 14 April. Further details can be found on the BSS website.

In addition to the photographs attached to the briefing I thought you might appreciate an update on where our Construction and Maintenance teams have got to with some of our ongoing projects, and some of the reactive work that our Rangers have been doing over the recent weeks/months:

• Replacement of the mooring capping and supporting brackets have been installed at Somerleyton 24 hour moorings.
• At Acle Bridge 24 hour moorings contractors have successfully installed and levelled the new piling ready for the next stage (work has temporarily ceased for the time being).
• Path and quay heading timber replacement works are over halfway completed at the Paddy's Lane 24 hour moorings.
• A number of moorings in the Northern rivers have had surfaces topped up with wood chip, type one or gravel depending on their location.
• Surfacing reinforcement at Gaye's Staithe 24 hour moorings.
• Mooring post replacement at Horning Marshes 24 hour moorings.
• A collapse behind the piling at Hoveton Riverside Park and an area of Hoveton Viaduct moorings where piling had moved have both been repaired.
• Gate posts have been fitted at Geldeston Marsh allowing the grazing ponies to be re-located there and continue managing the habitat.

You may note that some of the work has had to cease in line with the changing Government guidance, however we are still confident that the Broads will be in great shape for when they are safe to be enjoyed again.

It is still important for us to try and stay connected with the outdoors, even while we keep a distance from each other. Spring is here and all around us, nature is bursting into life again. If you are able to do so safely, following Government guidance, getting out into nature or going for a walk can help to reduce the impact of isolation on your well-being.

Our social media team will be encouraging you to share photos and videos of the wildlife you see from your window, your garden or during your daily exercise, using the #NatureInLockdown hashtag, and will be sharing tips on how we can enjoy the outdoors whilst we are all stuck at home.