Local residents and members of the Ernesettle community are developing a Manifesto for Tamerton Lake, known locally as Ernesettle Creek, and Budshead Creek. The Manifesto sets out the principles of how members of the community want to use and protect the tidal lake.
There is a long history of local people using the water since the Norman period, and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Tamerton Lake has been used for fishing and as a means of access to grist mills both at the causeway (1800s) and at Budshead (1700).
Local people use the water for crabbing, boating, swimming and other recreational activities. However, more recently, with necessary but increased regulation of marine waters and the limitations of public assets in private hands, members of the community have felt that they are being excluded from their community environment and want to stake out their longstanding claim.
The sea, estuary and riverbeds are part of a private estate, which includes woodland across the water at Tamerton Foliot and the South Hams, and which is due for sale on 14th September 2021. The waters are designated protected areas because of their habitats and important biodiversity. The Tamar Estuaries Consultative Forum, hosted by Plymouth City Council, overseas management of these environmental designations. The Queens Harbour Master oversees navigation on the creek, and fishing is regulated by the Devon & Severn Inshore Fisheries Authority and Marine Management Organisation.
Amongst all these organisations, the local community is keen to better establish its access to the local marine environment and become active stakeholders in decisions being made about the area. Locals came together to make water access safer through construction of a small slipway and steps, but permission for use of these safety measures has been held up by the sale of the creek riverbed.
The Tamerton Lake & Budshead Creek Manifesto
The Ernesettle Community proposes this Manifesto for the sustainable use, enjoyment and protection of Tamerton Lake, referred to here as Ernesettle Creek, and Budshead Creek. We ask that visitors, current and future landowners, the Council and other authorities, consider the importance of this waterway for local communities and nature.
In Ernesettle, we value and name as our shared assets:
- Safe, respectful and agreed access to the Creeks for the enjoyment of the shared water.
- Creeks that are valued and understood as a central part of our community’s pride of place, enhancing our mental and physical well-being.
- Clean and unpolluted water for safe recreation and healthy wildlife.
- The Mill Pond dam (known locally as the causeway) which is integral for access to the headland walks and protects important mudflat habitats for protected species.
- Respected environmental protections and improvement of the Creeks’ habitats for nature.
- The trees and shrubs of the banks of the creek that maintain its integrity and provide important habitats.
Local resident and member of Friends of Ernesettle and Budshead Wood, Sarah Colwill, said:
“Tamerton Lake is greatly loved by locals, who share a sense of ownership with current and previous generations of the area. It is regularly used for recreation and well-being. As children, we remember stone beaches and being able to swim and our parents and grandparents being able to eat the fish that they caught from their fishing boats (moored at the creek). Sadly, due to neglect, the fundus has become full of fly tipping and pollution. People no longer feel they wish to eat from the area and rarely wild swim there, but it is regularly used by SUPS, RHIBs, canoes and dinghy users.
“We must ensure that the water is recognised as part of Ernesettle’s heritage and recognise that, to this day, Tamerton Lake contains a small fishing community. Whilst it remains in private ownership we need to ensure that the area receives the recognition of environmental and historic importance it deserves, and that we bring together the beautiful green and blue spaces we have to create a sustainable future for the site.
“I see the manifesto as being a first step towards this recognition that will hopefully lead into a river Charter for future generations to build upon.”
Labour Honicknowle ward Councillor, Dr Pam Buchan, who is also a marine scientist, has supported the community on marine access issues. Cllr Dr Buchan provided funds and arranged installation of a lifesaving ring earlier this year, and has been liaising with authorities to seek a resolution to the issue of the slipway. She has also worked with Plymouth City Council to ensure that Ernesettle will receive investment through the community strand of the new National Heritage Lottery Fund Horizons grant of £9.5m for community engagement with the National Marine Park.
Cllr Dr Pam Buchan said:
“Ernesettle is probably the most beautiful part of the city because of its natural marine environment, woodland, and headland walks. Being close to nature is proven to improve physical and mental health, and feeling ownership and connection with nature develops environmental citizenship which means taking responsibility for a sustainable future.
“The National Marine Park is an amazing opportunity to help the Ernesettle community to connect with their local blue space and bring in all the benefits of that. The area has some of the highest rates of illness and disability in the city, and lower average life expectancy. This isn’t just about appreciating how beautiful a healthy marine environment is, it’s also about improving quality of life for the people who live nearby.
“I see the Manifesto as the first step in the local community taking ownership of their local place and shaping how it develops in future for the good of the local community.”
The Manifesto is supported by both the Plymouth River Keepers project, which is led by West Country Rivers Trust, and the Bioregional Learning Centre. The Bioregional Learning Centre (BLC) launched the UK’s first River Charter for the Dart at Dartington at the Water Resilience Summit in 2019 in Totnes Civic Hall. Over 1,250 people participated in its making over two years. Recently, swimmers have come together to form a Friends of the River Dart group, signing up to the Charter.
The Bioregional Learning Centre’s co-founder, Jane Brady, said:
“Having spent time with the Friends group in Ernesettle, it’s clear to us how important this body of water is to its people. We are thrilled at the prospect of another community-led River Charter emerging here. The ‘all-together’ process of making a Charter with a wide range of stakeholders is as important as the result. We all need to work together to care for our rivers.
“People who live or work near water are mobilizing here and across the UK to protect it because it is a vital resource. A growing number of people regularly test the water quality in rivers and tributaries across the region. The data is collected and shared by Westcountry Rivers Trust as part of their Citizen Science Investigation programme.”
CEO of Westcountry Rivers Trust, Dr Laurence Couldrick adds,
“It is a great space with amazing community potential.”
Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“We’re really pleased to be able to back this manifesto for Tamerton Lake & Budshead Creek and hope to be able to support the community for further plans in the area.
“Community involvement and ownership in green, and in this case blue, space is absolutely key to ensuring that beautiful areas of our city continue to be preserved for generations to come.”
