What is happening and why?
We are undertaking major work at Cley, to help the reserve and its wildlife adapt to rising sea levels and protect its freshwater habitats for as long as possible. In previous winter storms, huge volumes of shingle have been pushed by waves onto the reserve and the New Cut has increasingly become blocked with shingle in one vulnerable location.
The New Cut is the drain on the north side of the reserve which essentially marks the boundary between brackish and saline habitats to the north and freshwater habitats to the south. It is important for the longevity of the reserve’s freshwater habitats that the New Cut remains clear, and able to drain saltwater from the reserve during storm events, for as long as possible.
What works will be taking place?
A key part of this project will see the most vulnerable section of the New Cut moved to the south, making it far less likely to become filled with shingle.
The North Scrape, beloved of winter waterfowl and waders, will also be reprofiled. And an area of reedbed will be rejuvenated by the addition of meandering freshwater channels, accompanied by water control structures and sophisticated equipment to monitor water levels, salinity and contamination. These channels will serve as secluded hunting habitat for bitterns and other reedbed species and crucially, they will also increase the speed at which we can remove saltwater from the marsh in future storms.
We are also installing a new hide on wheels, overlooking the North Scrape, which can be towed to the safety of higher ground when a major storm is forecast.
When will the work take place?
The work will commence from 1st September 2023. We anticipate the project will take no longer than three months and are hopeful that it could take less time than this. However, the works are weather dependent and subject to change. We will keep visitors updated on the reserve web page.
How are we ensuring wildlife isn’t disturbed during the works?
The work timings have been carefully considered and are consented by Natural England as they avoid the nesting season and disturbance to the majority of wintering birds that the site is important for.
Whilst we acknowledge there will be disturbance to the North scrape and immediate surrounding areas, other freshwater scrapes and land beyond the East Bank will be unaffected and provide suitable alternative habitat for any displaced species.
Years of experience managing Cley and Salthouse Marshes gives us a great understanding of the wildlife the site is home to. Ahead of the work we will be carrying out all necessary wildlife surveys and ensuring that we take action to ensure minimal impacts on species using the reserve.
How is this work being funded?
This project has been funded by the Environment Agency Eastern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and through generous donations by NWT supporters, including Cley Bird Club and the family of Robert Gillmor.
Will there be any restrictions on reserve or Visitor Centre access whilst the work takes place?
Access to the reserve and Visitor Centre will be as normal. There may be temporary disruption to the beach car park which will, at times, reduce the number of car parking spaces available.
Will access to the reserve be different after the works have taken place?
There will be no limitations to access to the reserve following the work.
On completion of the project, we are delighted to be able to offer access to a new wildlife hide that will provide unrivalled views of the North Scrape.
For how long might the work protect Cley’s freshwater habitats from sea level rise?
It is very hard to predict the impacts of climate change, however based on modeling provided by the Environment Agency we anticipate that realigning the New Cut will put Cley in a better position to adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change and protect the site’s freshwater habitat for decades to come.
Why are you only realigning a section of the New Cut?
The area of the New Cut that we are realigning is the only section that is currently under threat from shingle blockage. All the other sections are not under immediate threat and if we moved the whole drain further inland now, we would be reducing the area of freshwater habitat on the reserve prematurely.
Why can I see a drone flying over the site during the works?
We will be carrying out a series of drone flights during the works to help monitor long-term changes to the site.
Drone flights are restricted to the work area and carried out by a licensed pilot. We have carefully considered, and minimised, any impacts drone flights might have on the site’s wildlife and have full consent from Natural England.