Understand
New bird habitats created in the Blackwater Estuary using dredged sediment
Overview
Sediment removed during maintenance at Harwich Harbour is being transported to the Blackwater Estuary in Essex to create shingle banks for nesting seabirds. The £2.5m project, funded by the Environment Agency and supported by the RSPB, aims to protect ground-nesting birds, slow coastal erosion, and bolster flood protection.
Key points
- Sediment from Harwich Harbour maintenance is being used to create shingle banks in the Blackwater Estuary.
- Species such as little terns, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, and various wildfowl are expected to benefit from the £2.5m project.
- The initiative also aims to slow coastal erosion and improve flood protection along the Essex coastline.
- Work began in October, with sediment deposited at locations including Cobmarsh Island and Old Hall Point.
- The scheme is funded by the Environment Agency and involves collaboration with the RSPB and Harwich Haven Authority.