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Humber Estuary - managed realignment proposals
The Humber Estuary lies on the east coast of England. It is one of the UK's
largest tidal estuaries and is of considerable importance economically and environmentally.
The estuary has one of the largest UK ports and has a significant associated
industry. The peripheral land includes large areas of intensive agriculture
and there is a population of some 300,000 living on the floodplain. The site
is identified as a Special
Protection Area under the 'Birds' Directive and includes a number of component
SSSIs.
Nearly 90,000ha of land around the periphery of the estuary lies at or below
the level of the highest tides. This land is protected by flood defences but
is still vulnerable when extreme events occur. At the same time it is estimated
that sea level will rise at a rate of approximately 6mm per year over the next
50 years. When added to the rises already experienced this puts the fringing
natural habitats (sand and mudflats and saltmarshes) under increasing pressure
from 'coastal
squeeze'. Although maintenance and in some areas raising of sea defences
is seen as the main policy to counter this rise in sea level and protect life
and property, alternative approaches are being considered.
These include managed realignment. In the estuary approximately 2,200ha of
land has been identified as potentially suitable for the adoption of such an
approach. The Environment Agency is undertaking a consultation on these areas
with a view to identifying approximately 1,000ha of 'set back' land and help
create a more sustainable approach to sea defence whilst at the same time restoring
lost habitat (see pamphlet "Planning for the Rising Tides" an Environment
Agency "Consultation on Managed Realignment: Information for Landowners
and Tenants", June 2002).
Two schemes are being developed:
- Thorngumbald,
approved and due for completion in 2003, approximately 80ha;
- Alkborough,
in consultation phase, approximately 400ha.
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