Over the last few years, the Washburn has seen, and will continue to see, substantial funding and development.

Work has included expansion to a flat-water paddling site on Thruscross reservoir above the dam, in-river work, and the development of the 'wood yard' towards the bottom of the river.

Details of the Scheme

The aims of the Scheme are to improve access to the River Washburn for canoeing and rafting; and to enhance the rapids on the river to increase the river's attractiveness to canoeing, following floods in June 2005 which destroyed much of the previous work undertaken.

The Scheme includes improved and less hazardous access and egress arrangement for canoeists and rafters, and improvements to access to the river in the form of enhanced/reinstated tracks. The enhanced/reinstated access track being implemented originates from the new pick-up point at the southern end of the river (adjacent to the A59) and continues along the eastern side of the river along an existing access track (designated as a Public Right of Way), crossing the river at the northern end to link in to the existing dam car park.

The access track will contribute to improved safety at the venue, by allowing the paddlers and canoes to be shuttled back alongside the river to the top car park beneath the dam. In addition, the new track will contribute to a reduction in erosion and environmental damage currently occurring due to the lack of a formal path in many locations. Enhanced access within the area will also be beneficial for emergency vehicles.

Egress and Access

The Scheme provides improved access and egress to improve safety when canoeists are exiting the River Washburn, and also to contribute to a reduction in bank erosion. Boulders are being put down to form an outside shutter for placed steps, leading to a shallow concrete ramp into the water. Ramp access will be provided at two locations along this stretch of the river.

In-River Works

The Scheme involves the replacement of uncharacteristic gabion retention features along the river with natural stone boulders. These boulders provide minor restrictions to the regulated dam-released flow, thereby increasing the local velocity of the water and the river's attractiveness for canoeists. A new canoeing feature is also being created using locally cut stone from the broken upstream weir within the river bed.