What a week of significant progress!
Additional stone has arrived and most is now in position to fortify the outfall against slumping and scouring, and we’re pleased to say the outfall structure performed exceptionally well during the substantial tides at the beginning of the week. No saltwater ingress has been recorded.
Freshmarsh outfall with anti-scour/slump protection - photo credit: James Thomson, RSK Habitat Management
Over the sea wall on the freshmarsh, the bunds have been successfully connected together at the tilting weir. The process of building up these bunds was very gradual due to the slushy conditions - we need optimal stability of these bunds so slow and steady was important. More pipes have been installed from the eastern compartment into the ditch by the tilting weir giving us the sought after separate drainage for the east compartment.
The water control has been established between the northwest compartment and the carrier ditch along the north of the eastern compartment.
On Valentine's Day, all the pipes were in place, and we initiated a full drain-down of the freshmarsh to assess flow and balance at lower water levels. Our warden reported it as a glorious sight!
Freshmarsh going in to full drain down - photo credit: Ryan Doggart
We also took many of our staff and volunteers out this week to have a closer look at the work and explain how the water moves around the site and what we do to provide optimum water levels for the varying needs of different species on the reserve. They got very muddy, but definitely enjoyed an informative morning!
Staff and volunteers learning about the ways of the freshwater marsh - photo credit: Lucy Ferrer
There's some tidying up and finishing touches to be done next week. Excitingly, we're in a favourable position to erect the remaining side of the predator exclusion fence before the upcoming breeding season!
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress next week.
All the best.
Hayley Roan - Senior Sites Manager, RSPB Northwest Norfolk reserves.