Substantial progress this week! The existing large pipes connecting compartments within the freshmarsh have been unearthed, and so far one has been replaced with a smaller diameter, lower-positioned pipe. Once they're all in we will have much improved water control!
Amphibious excavators installing pipes connecting the north west and south west compartments on freshmarsh - photo credit: Ryan Doggart
While six more pipes are yet to be installed on the freshmarsh, favourable tide conditions and the arrival of materials means that focus has shifted to the outfall pipes on the saltmarsh to the east of the freshwater marsh.
You might remember from a previous blog that a start had been made on building the gabion baskets, the remaining baskets have now been made, each built by hand - thanks to contractor Rob for his commitment to constructing those baskets!
Putting together one of the base layer gabion baskets - photo credit: Ryan Doggart
The freshmarsh outfall pipes will be supported by 18 wire mesh stone filled gabions baskets, measuring 1.5m x 1m and 1m x 1m respectively. We opted for these stone-filled gabion baskets for a softer and more environmentally friendly alternative compared to hard steel pilings. These gabion baskets filled with stone are designed to quickly accumulate silt and vegetation, seamlessly blending into the surrounding saltmarsh landscape over time.
Over the next few days, the groundwork will continue. This involves the removal of old steel sheet piling and carrying out excavations to prepare the area for the sub base ahead of the placement of stone filled gabions.
Groundworks in the saltmarsh to the east of the freshmarsh for the outfall pipes - photo credit: Hayley Roan
Excavations in the saltmarsh to the east of the freshmarsh - photo credit: James Thomson, RSK Habitat Management
Stay tuned for more updates as we progress with these essential enhancements!
All the best.
Hayley - Senior Sites Manager, RSPB North West Norfolk reserves