The famous Severn Bore attracts visitors from across the world and would cease to exist if the proposed barrage goes ahead.

Local residents and ‘bore enthusiasts’ are not happy about the potential loss of the natural phenomenon in the estuary, which has the second largest tidal range in the world.

The Severn Bore, which can be as large as 2 metres (7ft), has been surfed for over 50 years and the activity, which brings participants from as far as Brazil and South Africa, would reach an abrupt end.

Former world record holder and local resident, Steve King, said: “The many bore surfers from around the world would all be truly gutted if the barrage were built.

Attraction

“People come from all over the world to surf the Severn bore and it is a major event in the surfing calendar,” added King.

The Sustainable Development Commission believes that the barrage would be viable on the basis of a projected 120 year life for a “significant” renewable energy source.

However, King argues that the loss of some 145 hectares of key habitat is reason to scrap the project and look at other methods.

“As a local resident I am more concerned about the fantastic habitat in the Severn which would be destroyed, than just the sport of surfing,” he said.

“The tide comes in for a reason here and we cannot allow it to be turned into one big stagnant pond,” added King. “There is a danger that these predictions are taken too seriously, the facts in this scheme simply don’t add up.”

The barrage has been backed by a number of politicians, both in the South West and in Wales, who believe the scheme would be a key part of Britain’s renewable energy future.

Potential

Bristol West MP, Stephen Williams, said: “The Severn Barrage has the potential to contribute towards building a more sustainable energy resource for the UK.

“It could become a renewable and sustainable option in the UK's energy mix and it is also able to prevent flooding in Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Wales,” Williams added.

The project, which Secretary of State for Business, John Hutton, described as “breathtaking”, has received the support of many engineers and high-profile developers, but some in the industry disagree.

Local retired engineer, Professor John Petersen, said: “What do the mutton heads in Whitehall want to do? Build a concrete dam and destroy the very dynamics that make the estuary what it is!

“We do not need massive construction projects to provide our power, we just need more sense about how we use what we have,” added Petersen.

“The trouble is that the politicians in Westminster are being led by the nose by the vested interests of the construction industry and their self promotion through the media.

 

 

Surfers ride the Severn Bore (courtesy of Gloucestershire Explore).

 

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