Freiston Realignment site and RSPB reserve

• The outcome of the overall flood defence scheme has led to the improvement of 8km of front line flood defence (blue line on map opposite). The realignment at Freiston was an integral part of this scheme. Three 50m breaches in the embankment of the realignment site (see Figure opposite) allow the tide to flow once again over an area of 78ha. The resulting mudflat and eventually saltmarsh, which is expected to develop provides an additional element to the sea defence, as well as helping the re-create habitat lost over the centuries to enclosure.
• Excavating material for the new embankment (shown in red) also provided the opportunity to create a 12ha lagoon in 2001. This has already become a favoured site for breeding avocets. It also attracts wintering birds. The scheme provides access for birdwatching and a focus for education and the provision of recreational facilities. It was managed by the Environment Agency with the RSPB, HM Prison Service (who formerly owned the land) and English Nature.

Caption: The Freiston Shore managed realignment showing the location of the breaches in the sea bank the location of a new sea bank (red) and the lagoon. The area is now managed as a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve (http://www.rspb.org.uk/England/ click on reserves).

Comment: Funding for this scheme came from a variety of sources and was attracted to deliver the benefits listed and accruing to several uses, namely:

• The flood defence scheme (£1.2 million), funding DEFRA and the Lincolnshire Flood Defence Committee;
• The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund under Objective 5B to promote economic regeneration and rural tourism has helped fund the Boston Wash Banks project*;
• Research and monitoring (DEFRA and the Environment Agency) - The Wash Banks Flood Defence Scheme, Research project FD1911

*Web Site: The The Boston Wash Banks projects links flood defence and nature conservation and provides a catalyst for economic regeneration and tourism through a web site @ www.thebostonwashbanks.com