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ABPmer
Quayside Suite
Medina Chambers
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ
2012
Shoreline restoration
United Kingdom
Colne and Blackwater Estuaries, Essex, U.K.
-0.1278
51.5074
Saltmarsh
1 Hectares
Biodiversity Enhancement
Demonstration or Pilot Project
Habitat Creation
As an alternative to conventional repairs, a hybrid engineering design incorporating sediment-filled terraces to allow the development of salt marsh has been trialled by the Environment Agency (UK) to protect sea walls in the Colne-Blackwater Estuary complex, Essex. U.K. Over a 10 year period, salt marsh development were measured. Salt marsh halophytes colonised 7 out of 15 terraces. Organic carbon content was significantly lower on the terraces compared to existing salt marsh. A sediment shear strength of 30 kPa was optimal for % plant cover on terraces. The height of the terraces relative to tidal inundation was a key determinant of successful halophyte colonisation. Seven terraces were subject to erosion, associated with desiccation and absence, or loss, of halophyte cover. After a decade, protection of the sea wall was still provided by 14 of the 15 terraces, with only one having to be rebuilt.
ABPmer
Quayside Suite
Medina Chambers
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ