In order to protect against the loss of brackish water coastal lagoon habitat to actions of the sea, two new lagoons of approximately one hectare each were constructed in Kings Marsh during 1998.

The new lagoons, lying adjacent to a clay defence wall, were created under an EU LIFE-Nature project and also fulfilled part of the proposal to increase the area of these lagoons under the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan.

©National Trust
New lagoons under construction

The lagoons (a priority habitat on Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directive and the UK and Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plans) will compliment the existing ones and help to ensure the continuation of this important habitat and the species, such as the Starlet Sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis), that require it. They also provide a good environment for water based invertebrates, such as shrimp, which are an excellent food source for breeding Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) and migratory waders. In 1999, 27 pairs of Avocet fledged 54 chicks here.

©National Trust
New lagoons after one year