Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour, on the Beaulieu River has been assessed and awarded with The Yacht Harbour Association’s ‘International Clean Marina’ accreditation, in recognition of its efforts to help protect the UK’s oceans and waterways.
The Beaulieu River is a special place and the Beaulieu Estate works closely with environmental agencies to do what they can to protect this unique environment. It is one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain and has been under the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries and has focussed on maintaining its natural charm and protecting its habitats and species.
According to The Yacht Harbour Association, the accreditation criteria and assessment includes blackwater capture and treatment, correct management of hazardous waste, spill prevention and treatment, washdown capture and filtration, drain interception, the use of sustainable products and preventing plastic pollution. As well as influencing the important impact berth and mooring holders can have on protecting wildlife and waterways.
The Beaulieu River and its surroundings form part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest which offers habitats for some 200 species of birdlife. It is an important feeding ground and lifeline for birds, with up to 125,000 wildfowl and wading birds visiting the Solent each winter, which is home to 10% of the world’s population of dark bellied brent geese.
It is of vital importance to the marina that they continuously strive to improve the sustainability of their daily operations. Harbour Master Wendy Stowe and the team at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour have worked hard to improve their own environmentally friendly practices over the recent years.
Staff are trained to respond to oil spills and have additional training in waste management. A free-of-charge pump-out facility is available to berth holders and visitors alike, plus the marina agreement ensures berth holders do not discharge into the river and its surrounding waters. Pontoons are inspected annually and cleaned regularly along with monthly monitoring to ensure pollution of the watercourse does not occur.
The marina is working to eliminate its use of single-use plastics, and on-site caterers are also encouraged to support the team with this approach. In addition, all boat owners are encouraged to use environmentally friendly products whilst on-site.
Harbour Master Wendy said:
“We are delighted to be one of the first marinas assessed and awarded the International Clean Marina accreditation. The protection of the river’s environment is still the most important consideration, and the whole marina team work hard to maintain our high standards of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.”
The accreditation is a great source of pride to the marina team, who continually work to keep the river a special place for generations to come. This achievement follows the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour being awarded ‘Marina of the Year’ in the British Yachting Awards 2022.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour has a long track record of outstanding customer service and offers full marina services, an open policy boatyard and chandlery, along with a range of benefits.
The marina offers a sheltered setting, centrally located on the Solent with the pleasures of the New Forest on the doorstep, including the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard village, just a stroll away, with its hotel and restaurant, tea shop and museum and visitor centre.
For moorings and berths click here, email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 616200.
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