Norfolk Coast update

Blakeney Freshes – Yesterday saw the EA drop-in session at Blakeney where people had the opportunity to give their views about the impact of the tidal surge and the future of the area. There was an amazing turn out with lots of interested people, and a range of views. BBC Panorama were filming and John as well as other representatives of the local community were interviewed and it is being aired on Monday night.

Over the last week a feeding Kingfisher and Little egret and a Water Rail have been captured on ‘Freshes cam’. Also, salinity levels continue to slowly drop.
The coastal path around Blakeney Freshes is currently closed due to the breaches in the bank.

Today saw a Blakeney Point litter pick now the seals have dispersed. The lifeboat house has its new ramp and repairs are going well. For visitors during half term week, there is access to Blakeney Point as usual, but the Lifeboat House visitor centre and toilets remain closed to the end of March for the repair work.

It has been a busy week for Morston bridges activity. Earlier this week we met with stakeholders to explain the project and also to update about a temporary structure. This project is now at the point where Natural England have fully consented the works and we are just waiting on the Marine Management Organisation. The bridges will take 12 weeks to complete from fully appointing the contractors. A temporary scaffold structure near the remaining piles will be in place mid-March.

Heading west at Burnham watermill there are planned works to the brickwork of the mill.

At Brancaster the toilet repairs are going well and the electrics, pump and sewerage system are working. Next week will see new external doors and repairs inside. The works are on track to be completed by Easter.

Visitors to Branodunum will have an even better view of the coast as the last two remaining willows were pollarded thanks to the help of the Felbrigg team.

Some of you may be aware Brancaster Ativity Centre was badly affected, however three months on progress is going well. The drying equipment has now gone and schools will be hosted in March through to June in partnership with Deepdale Backpackers.

We are about to start work with UEA researchers from Brancaster to Salthouse to help us understand the impact of the tidal surge to e.g. soils, dunes, impact on flora and fauna.

Victoria Egan,
Countryside Manager