Karen Rosser, project team manager for the Environment Agency, organised a team-building day with twelve members of the project and contract management and navigational team to Rye Harbour.
The day started at the RNLI lifeboat station and then the team split into two groups. The first went aboard the harbour master’s vessel, going up the river to look at the assets, which the teams are collaboratively working on to repair or replace to ensure the longevity of Rye Harbour. The second stayed at the boathouse, having a tour of the station and the boat and tractor. Chris King, boathouse manager, led the tour. Many commented afterwards that they had learnt so much and were unaware just how big the boat and tractor were.
Karen said, as she left: “The aim for today, as well as team-building, was to give us all a better understanding of the role the assets play in the harbour. Seeing the assets from the water, gives us a better understanding of the use of the assets: how they look in-situ, not just on paper, and the potential issues we are facing.
“For example, project manager Megan Bailey showed me the holes in Admiralty Jetty. This really brought the project to life for me and when you see the issue and need for repair. Especially when you understand the important role the jetty has for the fishing industry. It puts it all into context when you see a project and are not just sitting round a table talking about it.
“It was interesting to have a tour of the lifeboat station. It was a tremendous bonus to our day. It is important to understand the role that the RNLI plays in the harbour. We saw the slipway which we were responsible for repairing, it is vital to the lifeboat station when they are launching the boat.
“Collaboration is crucial to achieve the right outcomes. We work closely with James, the harbour master, and the Harbour of Rye Advisory Committee (HoRAC), a statutory committee that advises the Environment Agency on the management of Rye Harbour for both industry and leisure. Project manager Kirtish Ramburn was delighted to see one of his finished projects, the East Pier Head Marker, from the harbour master’s launch. The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife and support sustainable development.”
Harbour master James Bateman commented: “Members of the Environment Agency programme and contract management (PCM) team visited Rye Harbour on Thursday. The team came to the harbour to visit the RNLI lifeboat station and to see the harbour assets which are being repaired / replaced under their management in the coming years. It is always good to work with other agencies like the RNLI and build relationships.”
Some keys facts from the Environment Agency on Rye Harbour: “The harbour comprises the tidal reaches of the rivers Rother, Brede and the Tillingham. It has a commercial wharf, a fishing fleet and berths for over 400 boats. The harbour is owned and managed by the Environment Agency; a harbour master and deputy harbour master work at the harbour. We aim to run a sustainable and vibrant harbour where leisure boaters, commercial boats and the fishing fleet exist harmoniously, supporting the local economy and the natural environment.
“We maintain the navigation and keep our structures in safe working condition for our leisure boaters and commercial operations at the harbour. When we identify new or potential hazards we notify our customers as quickly as possible.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .