During the preparation of the Coastal Adaptation Strategy it became clear that the north-western bank was close to collapse and could breach during a storm event or winter high tide. A plan was hatched to reinforce the bank, whilst also rejuvenating the salt marsh which had been eroded by time and tide.
Dredged sediment, removed for the navigational purposes of the historic Thames Sailing Barges at Maldon, was used to recharge the small area. The sediment which could be considered as a 'waste product' was effectively used in a sustainable way which benefited the environment.
In this case it was used to reinforce a bank close to collapse and increase the area of threatened salt marsh habitat.
Time and tide waits for no man
We recognise that this is not a permanent solution and that the sediment will erode and wash away over time. Salt marsh is not a hard sea defence, however, it can reduce the power of the tide whilst also being a home for wildlife. Over time, with increased sea-level rise and storm events due to climate change it will most likely return to where it came.
In the meantime, the newly formed area is already being colonised by salt marsh pioneers. These plants are the first signs of a new, revitalised habitat. whilst also maintaining the local seed bank.
Fit for the future award
Last December Hilary McGrady congratulated the Northey Coastal Adaptation Strategy team. Here's what she had to say:
'At Northey Island, we’ve been impressed by the team’s innovative use of waste material that’s been dredged from the channel for navigation. Close partnership working with Essex and Suffolk Water is enabling the team there to re-use sediment and restore the saltmarsh, making the island more resilient to sea-level rise in the future.'
