The Sport & Recreation User Group objectives are to

Morecambe 1950

• represent a collective view amongst sport and recreation bodies using Morecambe Bay.

• To ensure that sporting and recreational activities are undertaken in harmony with others and the life of the Bay.

• To promote the responsible use of the Bay for recreation activities and adherence to codes of practice where they are introduced.

• To improve communication amongst sport and recreation bodies around the Bay and strengthen links with Local Authorities, Statutory Bodies and the Morecambe Bay Partnership.

Previous meetings:

• 9 Nov 2007 - heard a presentation from Ian Hatton of Eclipse Energy on the Ormonde project.  

  

  This novel combined wind and gas energy development has been granted permission, and will begin construction 10 Km off Walney Island towards the end of 2008. 

  Other agenda items include other developments & current issues.
   

• 19 Mar 2007 - heard updates on Piel Island, the islands of Barrow HLF bid, Barrow marina plans, Cavendish Dock, news of Ormonde development other offshore windfarm developments and other current issues
  
• 21 Sept 2006 - a discussion on the new role of recreation users in policing activities in the Bay included useful presentations from Lancashire Police and DEFRA Fisheries on recent legislation and activities. 
  
• 21 Mar 2006 - an update on current developments and presentation on kitesports from Alex of hangtimes, Fleetwood. 
  
• 20 Sept 2005 - detailed discussion on the proposal for a marina in Barrow including consideration of the options for the entrance of the marina.  The overland option versus a canal were considered in depth. 

• 15 March 2005 - The Windermere 10 mph speed limit is about to be enforced.  There has been no organised study into the likely displacement of vessels to Morecambe Bay, however it is thought that it is likely to be less than 5% of the 2,500 boats that currently use Windermere.  The group is concerned about potential safety implications if  users inexperienced in tidal waters attempt to use the Bay.  There was a further update on the Barrow Marina plans, including a discussion about the likely opening hours for the canal.
  

• 9 November 2004 - Eclipse Energy presented their proposal for a combined offshore gas and wind energy development off Walney Island.  This meeting was held concurrently with exhibitions around the area by all the companies who have proposals for wind farms off Morecambe Bay.  There was a wide ranging discussion about the likely impact and issues associated with these developments.

• 28 September 2004 - at which Steve Taylor of the Morecambe Bay Sailing Association was elected as chair of the group.  Dave Humphrey from West Lakes Renaissance discussed the plans for the regeneration of Barrow Docks including the proposal for a marina.  Ann Taylforth of Barrow Borough Council talked about plans for the Festival of the Sea 2005.
  

• 10 February 2004 - included a discussion of the current work of the Morecambe Bay Partnership, risk assessments for Cross Bay Walks, issues relating to the slip way at Knot End, and the Canatxx Gas Storage proposal.
  

• 23 September 2003 - saw a presentation from Dominic Charkin, Morecambe Bay Partnership's BeachCare Officer,
  discussion of proposed zoning off Morecambe, &
  progress with the Wyre estuary code of practice.
  

• 25 March 2003 - had interesting presentations about SCUBA diving, wildfowling and risk assessment of rescue in the Bay.
  

• 12 November 2002 - discussed with the developers, the proposal for an off-shore wind farm off Walney Island.
  

• 17 September 2002 - looked at other NW coast user groups.  
  

• 5 March 2002 - this meeting looked at safety in the bay.
  

• 11 September 2001 - the group examined the implications of the Windermere speed limit on sport in Morecambe Bay.  Other issues discussed included the growing interests in the establishment of offshore wind farms and the range of options being considered for Coastal defense works in Morecambe.
  

• 6 February 2001 - discussed how to encourage more young people to enjoy sailing at sea.  Roger Hammond of Lancaster City Council Leisure Services explained how the council can help by working with clubs. 
  

• 10 October 2000 - Ed Mycock of the Environment Agency explained the new nature conservation designations for Morecambe Bay, and what they may mean for sailors and other users. 
  

• 13 June 2000 - Captain Graham Maclean of Heysham Ports gave an engrossing account of his life at sea. 

Other meetings have dealt with a diverse range of issues from the future of Coastguard Stations, problems at Knott End Slipway, access to Pilling Sands, the effects of Seacats in the Bay and the implications of the European marine site for recreational groups.