Walcon Marine has recently completed the latest in a series of projects in the Lake District. This most recent assignment involved the renewal of an existing facility at Ferry Nab on Lake Windermere.
The project required the demolition and removal of three existing piers along with their piles by local contractor Jetties & Moorings. A small number of the old pontoons were retained and refurbished by Walcon, and used to build the new middle pier as well as contribute to the larger northern pier. The rest of the pontoons on the two, all-new piers are Walcon System 21 and Walcon's Waliflote units with their wave-attenuating characteristics providing protection on the south-western side. Two pump-out units were also relocated.
The new marina now provides 64 berths for boats up to a maximum of 14 metres in length. 30 of these are permanent berths, 26 are for visitors and eight for dinghies. Unlike many berthing facilities on the lakes, the Ferry Nab marina is free floating. As part of the build process, Walcon also undertook a site investigation and, as a result, specified longer piles due to softer ground than originally expected.
The Ferry Nab Marina is used by the Lake Wardens who operate a patrol and rescue service on Lake Windermere, as well as providing RYA powerboat training and general advice, and administer the lake's 1000 plus moorings and encroachments. The client was South Lakeland District Council.
Other lake projects
In recent years, Walcon has worked on a number of projects on Lake Windermere. These include Windermere Quays Marina, berthing facilities at the water sports centre at Low Wood Bay, operated by English Lakes Hotels, and a floating jetty at Bark Barn for a Windermere Lake Cruises ferry as well as private boats.