Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour on the Beaulieu River has been awarded The Yacht Harbour Association’s Clean Marina accreditation in recognition of its efforts to help protect the UK’s oceans and waterways.
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour sits on a privately owned river in a sensitive rural environment.
The Beaulieu River is a special place and the Beaulieu Estate works closely with environmental agencies to do what it can to protect this unique environment. It is one of the few privately owned rivers in the world, and the custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries has focused on maintaining its natural charm and protecting its habitats and species. The Clean Marina 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 plastics pollution.
Harbour master Wendy Stowe and her team work hard to ensure Buckler’s Hard is worthy of its new Clean Marina status.
Buckler’s Hard staff are trained to respond to oil spills and have additional training in waste management. A free pump-out facility is available to berth holders and visitors alike, and all boat owners must comply with rules not to discharge into the river or 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 while on site. Harbour master Wendy Stowe 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 works hard to maintain our high standards of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.”
