Our position on Centre Port's plan for The Wash

Important estuary for wildlife

Straddling Lincolnshire and Norfolk, the area’s vast salt marshes and mudflats are an important site for migratory, over-wintering and breeding wetland birds.

A vital resting and re-fuelling point for hundreds of thousands of birds during their migration each year, The Wash has become the largest feeding ground for wetland birds in the country.

It’s also home to one of the largest populations of common seals.

Nature needs protecting

Therefore, news of a potential new container terminal and tidal scheme in an area designated for its importance to wildlife, is deeply concerning.

We know that nature is already close to breaking point, and we should be doing all that we can to protect it.

The National Trust cares for coastal reserves at Sandilands and Blakeney National Nature Reserve, within this area and we will be following developments closely as the project evolves.

But does the plan stack up?

Climate change is the biggest threat we all face, and we acknowledge the need for green energy.

However, this has to be done in the right place and in the right way, so that it doesn’t impact what we’re ultimately trying to save.

It's been over a year since Centre Port first announced its project, which still lacks a significant amount of detailed information and feasibility.

We are ready to scrutinise these plans and hold developers to account.