Its been a long slog, starting mid-September up until now but has been well worth it to 1) help protect the island against further damage from tidal surges by creating the lowered spillway and 2) to create an even better and new main lagoon that should encourage more birds to use the islands throughout the year and also make them easier to see from the hides. The photos below show off the amazing work done and the volunteer team laying the rockfall netting.
So, now the diggers have gone, we have been cracking on with laying the wire. Although a daunting task, once we got going we was amazed at how (relatively) quick it was. With the volunteer team (and some extra help from the environment Agency and Minsmere) we have nearly completed the whole length.
As I have said before in previous posts, lowering the seawall is a natural flood management technique. We hope to protect the island and keep its habitats safe, and at the same time help contribute towards alleviating the impact of future storm surges elsewhere on the estuary. This whole project has been part funded by the Environment Agency with a £50,000 grant awarded as part of Defra’s £15m Nateral Flood Management Programme, by the Landfill Tax Fund through a £46, 990 grant awarded by Viridor Credits, and by the Pamela Matthews Charitable Trust.