Suffolk Coast summary

The Suffolk Coast and Estuaries CHaMP contains some of the larger areas of undeveloped coastline including the internationally important shingle of Orfordness. At the same time it has large areas of enclosed tidal land and artificial coastal defence structures. The CHaMP concludes that there are likely to be significant areas of habitat loss. In order to combat this loss and to help to reverse the 'coastal squeeze' the CHaMP identifies a range of restoration options centred around a policy of 'working with natural processes'.

The existing Suffolk Estuaries Strategy provides a useful forum for addressing the many relevant issues and already takes into account the local economy, agriculture and the need for a coordinated approach. The National Trust at Orfordness is involved in realignment projects, which will provide further opportunities for increasing public awareness and understanding. The shingle spits are important for their landscape value, protection of saline lagoons and flood defence, particularly for the towns of Aldeburgh and Orford. They are also of the highest nature conservation value. The RSPB at Minsmere has developed considerable expertise in manipulating water levels to create feeding and breeding opportunities for a range of rare birds.

The Stour and Orwell Estuary Management Group has a role in bringing together a range of interests. Recent developments have required the preparation and implementation of a mitigation package and cooperation between statutory conservation bodies and Harwich Haven Authority has helped to make informed decisions. The use of dredging to restore sand and mud flats may have important lesson also, as will the investigation of the impacts of available options and raising awareness when managed realignment projects are proposed.

Archaeology

The Suffolk coast has a range of features including old jetties, moorings, hulks of ships and oyster beds, as well as timber and stone remnants of failed reclamation schemes which can be found in Suffolk’s estuarine muds and silts. The lowering of the land surface on Trimley marshes, in preparation for the realignment scheme, revealed vestiges of Roman salt workings below later silt deposits.