Candidates are being invited to apply for a bursary scheme, which will fund full-time training for ten reed and sedge cutters plus five millwrights. The scheme, supported by the Broads Authority and the Heritage Lottery Fund aims to boost the fortunes of these professions as there is only one local millwright in the Broads area and the reed and sedge cutting industries are not attracting new workers.

The reed and sedge cutting bursaries will include learning about the historic and cultural background of the Broadland fens, health and safety, first aid, brushcutter and chainsaw work, construction skills, fen management, habitat management techniques, bird identification and nesting protocol, water level management and boat handling skills.

The training for millwrighting bursaries will take place at a variety of sites on the Broads including Womack Mill at Ludham and Clayrack Mill at How Hill. They will include learning about the historic and cultural background of the industry and mills, maintenance of mill machinery, brickwork, timber maintenance, paint systems, tarring, lead flashing application, rigging, lifting, hoisting and nesting and roosting protocol.

To register your interest in applying for a bursary write to the Broads Authority at 18 Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1BQ, marking the envelope “Reed, Sedge, Fens and Mills Bursary Scheme”, or telephone the Authority on 01692 678025. Applications must be received by 15th August.