River Ant Beware.

[Cheesey69]

Hi all, 

just cruising on the upper reaches of the Ant when I noticed a small boat in trouble about 5 meters out from what appeared to be a wild mooring. 
I noticed a lot of fresh stumps and more importantly, a network of branches just under the surface with only an odd branch sticking above the surface. 
The boat was alright with a touch of reverse to get out. 
the thing is, these look very inviting and there are a lot of them dotted around up there looking just like the regular stops. 

[CambridgeCabby]

Many of these “wild moorings” on the Ant will have potentially suffered from the lack of use due to Covid restrictions which would have allowed nature to encroach more .

Be cautious and approach bow first slowly and if you spot any underwater obstructions abort and move on 

[vanessan]

37 minutes ago, Cheesey69 said:

Hi all, 

just cruising on the upper reaches of the Ant when I noticed a small boat in trouble about 5 meters out from what appeared to be a wild mooring. 
I noticed a lot of fresh stumps and more importantly, a network of branches just under the surface with only an odd branch sticking above the surface. 
The boat was alright with a touch of reverse to get out. 
the thing is, these look very inviting and there are a lot of them dotted around up there looking just like the regular stops. 

Could you give more of a detailed position Cheesey? Upper reaches whereabouts?

[Cheesey69]

From stalham down to Barton broad. 
looks as if a few wind blown trees have been chopped plus a bit of pruning. 
Makes it look like an attractive wild mooring that has never been one in past. 
 

[Buttle]

Sounds a little bit vague on location, there have always been a few iffy moorings along that stretch. Any piccy?

[Cheesey69]

Sorry guv! Several sections around Wayford junction and I was part of a train heading toward Barton. 
On Boundary farm mooring now so I might need one hell of telephoto lens😀

[Bytheriver]

If the current number of boats about carries on I suspect wild moorings will be well used this year, by the end of the season many more will become obvious from the paint/jel coat marks on the banks & tree roots as they were back in the 1970s & 80s. By September when we came it was pretty obvious where it was safe to attempt a mooring.

Stay safe & wear life jacket