Orfordness, restoring grazing marsh (Kings Marsh)

The grazing marshes on Orfordness were probably enclosed under royal patronage in the 13th century and remained important to the local economy until recent years. In 1995 livestock grazing was reintroduced, under an EU LIFE-Nature project, to the central area after an absence of some 60 years. The aim of this re-introduction was to improve the range and suitability of the habitats for both flora and fauna. The marsh is still brackish because of periodic flooding from the sea especially during winter storms. In late 2000, the river wall was strengthened using clay 'borrowed' from an adjacent area of marsh inside the wall to provide up to 20 years protection to the marsh. In the same area arable land is being restored to grazing marsh.