Today, we bid farewell to our skilled contractors as they loaded up the amphibious excavators and took them away from the reserve.
The robust structure supporting the freshmarsh outfall pipes in the east saltmarsh and the upgrades to the freshwater marsh are now complete!
Completed freshwater marsh outfall structure - photo credit: James Thomson, RSK Habitat Management
We're thrilled with both the new outfall and the positive changes in the freshwater marsh, building upon the progress made during the 2021 EU Life On The Edge freshwater habitats work.
The enhancements to the freshmarsh include:
- installing lowered, smaller and more pipes for precise control
- additional carrier ditches and bunds, allowing dynamic compartmentalised management
- reprofiled islands for optimal breeding conditions
- three new islands for expanded nesting opportunities
- and adjustments fine-tuning the topography to allow flooding for natural vegetation management.
Our warden, Ryan, is delighted to have the ability to manage each compartment independently, and has a plan in place to provide an even more enriching environment for the birdlife. With refined water flow management, we look forward to the marsh continuing to thrive for years to come.
A sincere thank you to James, Rob, Tamas, Matt, and Clive from RSK Habitat Management and C J Gray Plant Hire Ltd respectively for their dedication and innovation, particularly when things got tough. Also a big thank you to the engineers at Royal Haskoning for their invaluable support in navigating the intricacies of the outfall sluice.
So, here’s to a freshwater marsh brimming with life, and to the incredible community of birdwatchers and nature lovers who stand steadfast by its side.
As an additional update, we've made some progress with the installation of the last side of the predator exclusion fence. However, due to challenges including the need to redig the ditch and unfavourable ground and weather conditions, we couldn't complete the entire side. Disappointingly, the whole fence instalment will need to wait until this autumn, but rest assured, we're working on a plan for the remaining part. Stay tuned for more updates on this!
A section of the remaining side of the predator exclusion fence under construction - photo credit: Ryan Doggart
Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support. We trust you enjoyed reading about the journey during the project to repair the outfall pipes and elevate the freshmarsh.
All the very best.
Hayley - Senior Sites Manager, RSPB North West Norfolk Reserves