Battling through some challenges this week! Working on the edge of a saltmarsh creek with its relentless tidal cycle brings with it a unique set of difficulties. Over the past seven days we faced a collapse during excavation, and racing against the tide became a daily struggle.
Picture this – standing on the east bank, winds howling, rain drizzling, and excavations giving way. It was disappointing to say the least as things had been going so smoothly. The saving grace? Engineers were on-site at the time and the contractors formed a quick plan – different machines, re-excavate, repair, and proceed. We lost some time, but the sub base installation then progressed without a hitch.
Sub base installation - photo credit: Ryan Doggart
This meant the first layer of gabions could go in, each stone meticulously set by hand. As the tide loomed, we anxiously waited for a 36-hour stability check.
Filling the first layer of gabions with stone - photo credit: Hayley Roan
Good news – all levels held steady, and we were able to advance to layer two. This allowed us to connect pipes which has reversed an alarming buildup of water on the freshmarsh.
Level two gabion baskets in place, awaiting stone and with connected pipes - photo credit: Hayley Roan
Why does all of this matter? Well, these outfall pipes are the unsung heroes of the freshwater marsh. Without them in perfect operation, trouble brews and water on the freshmarsh gets deeper by the hour.
Stay tuned for more updates as we complete level two and progress up to level three!
All the best.
Hayley - Senior Sites Manager, RSPB North West Norfolk reserves.