Saltmarshes to be created from dredged material

1 day ago

Lewis AdamsEssex

The project's success will be monitored by researchers from the University of Essex

Andy Hay/RSPB A redshank bird, which has an orange bill, orange legs and a brown and white coat, wading through shallow water. — The project's success will be monitored by researchers from the University of Essex

Sediment collected during harbour maintenance is being used to restore saltmarsh habitats on the north-east Essex coast.

Mud that is dredge to keep shipping channels clear at Harwich Harbour is being taken a few miles along the Stour Estuary to Copperas Bay, near Wrabness, until 20 March.

Conservationists hope the project, which will cover up to 189 acres (76.5ha), will also stabilise shorelines and support biodiversity, such as native sea lavender and samphire.

Jim Warner, harbour engineer at Harwich Haven Authority (HHA), said routine dredging was being turned into "a nature-positive opportunity".

Rather than being disposed of at sea, the dredged sediment could also enhance coastal protection.

"This approach delivers long-term benefits for both local communities and the wildlife that depends on these coastal habitats," Warner added.

Copperas Bay is due to benefit from the dredging work that keeps shipping channels clear of sediment

Andy Hay/RSPB Saltmarsh and mudflats at Copperas Bay. A small cluster of houses can be seen across the other side of the water. — Copperas Bay is due to benefit from the dredging work that keeps shipping channels clear of sediment

Saltmarsh is a special habitat in the UK that teems with wildlife, but much has been lost due to rising sea levels and change of land use.

Creating a new habitat could help black-tailed godwits, redshank and turnstones, as well as flocks of wildfowl during the winter months.

It is hoped over time the restored saltmarsh will repopulate with small plants that help catch more mud and silt, leading to consistent growth.

Rick Vonk, of RSPB Stour Estuary, said it was "a clever way of using a natural solution" to resolve saltmarsh loss.

Saltmarshes across the UK are being lost due to rising sea levels and change of land use

Andy Hay/RSPB Four small birds with black and white fur coats standing on rocks by the water, with a fifth flying above them. Two ducks are bobbing in the water in the background. — Saltmarshes across the UK are being lost due to rising sea levels and change of land use

Shipping channels serve the major ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and also at Mistley at the western end of the Stour estuary.

Researchers from the University of Essex have been asked to monitor the success of repurposing the material collected form the harbour bed.

Dr Natalie Hicks, from the School of Life Sciences, said: "There is a real potential for this novel approach to enhance saltmarsh restoration and future-proof our coastlines."

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