Complexities of running projects
February 3, 2010
In my previous job, project and contract management was my day to day work, mixed in with some survey work, in the evenings and weekends. The projects varied in type and quantity, and complexity. However very few were as complicated as some of what we have on the cards now. Although people think much of what we do is just getting on and doing there is much more to it – unfortunately!! In the US and Scotland there isn’t nearly as much red tape (if what I read is to be believed!). To give you an idea of some things we need to address – land owners, tenants, fishing clubs, EA – fisheries, bio diversity, flood defence, funders, designers and contractors. All of which have an input and require an output from us. A quick glimpse at just one of our files will show the level of work that goes into just the simplest of schemes.
Monday I wrote a letter to the North West Heritage Trust at Barrowford to put forward our proposals and plans for Barrowford 3 fish pass. This is after several site meetings with planners, construction advisers, EA – to name a few. Unfortunately we are having to consider a full change of plans at that site as the industrial archaeology is adding a complexity that may delay the project beyond funding date and take us over our budget – but we will see.
I was really happy to receive an email from the Wild Trout Trust towards a project on Swanside to remove a weir to improve trout spawning. This took us up to our required funding and guaranteed our progress with this scheme – a great result and many thanks to the WTT.
Tuesday we had a meeting with Grant Talbot (EA) to talk about problems in the Ribchester to Stock Beck area with plans for the future. We also worked on our Angling Passport Scheme, which is coming close to fruition with contributions from the Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable development fund and the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board.
Wednesday Philip was in for the weekly meeting and much was discussed and plans drawn up. The big news he brought was he had secured funding for us to carryout works to improve fish passage at the Lower Hodder flow gauging weir. This project now waits on approval from the Hydrologists, and then a Land Drainage consent application before hopefully going ahead this year.
In the evening was the Calder group meeting, this was well attended as usual with a representation of most of the Angling clubs with Water on the Calder. Much was discussed from pollution to improvement projects, and other issues threatening the river Calder.
Thursday was more time spent on the passport scheme and getting all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed! But more importantly preparing our Newsletter for the printers!
Friday I spent several hours with Kyle Young (EA) looking at projects that are in the offing, and discussing best approaches and other things I need to get addressed before submitting my Land drainage consent form.
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