Work is now complete on the new fishing quay at Brancaster Staithe, a quarter of a million pound construction project.
Launched on 6 August 2008, by the Brancaster Fishermen’s Society in partnership with The National Trust, the quay boosts the economic prospects of the local fishing industry and the wider North Norfolk community.
The project saw the construction of an entirely new quay which means local fishermen can now land their catch directly from their boats onto the new deck. It is an extensive, stable and safe landing area for the fisherman to work from in what can often be a harsh environment.
Tourism on the North Norfolk coast is booming, coupled with a high proportion of second homes. Demand for top quality, fresh local food from restaurants, hotels and inhabitants is high. The new facilities at Brancaster Staithe enable the local fishermen to meet this demand for sustainably sourced seafood, where previously they struggled.
In recent years the fishermen have made a shift from supplying wholesalers to selling directto local restaurants and fishmongers .As well as reducing food miles, using more of the shellfish locally should also mean that it has a longer shelf-life with less waste.
The project is a collaboration managed by The National Trust for the Brancaster Fishermen’s Society, funded by generous grants from the European Union (grant managed by the Marine Fisheries Agency), East of England Development Agency and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council. The quay is fully supported by the local community, as it improves the prospects for the local economy.
The remaining historic quay has been stabilised and preserved behind new piling. The sluice system has been replaced ensuring the silt in the channel is cleared and access maintained for the boats. The coastal footpath has also been improved, and new interpretation panels are in place explaining the significance of this site.
Simon Garnier, The National Trust’s Area Manager for Norfolk, couldn’t be happier that the quay is complete:
'The project has been a long time in the planning, so I am delighted that the fishermen are now benefiting from the new quay. This may be outside the usual perceptions of what The National Trust does, but this is a perfect example of our role in the local community, helping businesses flourish.'
Simon Letzer, Chairman of the Brancaster Fishermen’s Society, says
'The quay is brilliant. In the past, loading and unloading our boats was a time-consuming and arduous task. Now, we are much more efficient, and can keep up with demand from local restaurants. We have stopped missing out on valuable business.'
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