Loading ...New UK Wildlife Habitat to be Created in Ribble Estuary
Following a breach of the sea wall around part of Hesketh Out Marsh on the Ribble estuary this week the Environment agency and RSPB are joining forces in the biggest scheme of it’s kind in the UK to return the area to saltmarsh.
The flood defences were built in the 1980′s by local landowners in order to farm the land but a decision has been taken to allow the land to return to saltmarsh.
As well as a natural flood defence the 168 hectare scheme will also provide an important habitat for British wildlife.
The project is also backed by Lancaster City Council and Natural England.
John Collins, Environment Agency Area Manager said: “This project is a fantastic example of how we are working more closely with the natural environment to manage flood risk. By assessing the land and its historical patterns and taking into account how flooding is likely to impact over the coming years, we are able to create effective, sustainable solutions to managing flood risk.”
When the project is complete the RSPB will take over management of the area.
Laurence Rose, the RSPB’s Regional Director, said: “The Ribble is one of the most important estuaries in the UK for birds. This inspirational project promises to further enhance that importance by providing a fantastic area of new saltmarsh. This will offer a place to breed for wading birds such as lapwing, redshank, avocet and oystercatcher, while acting as a vital wintering ground for species like pink-footed geese, whooper swans, wigeons, teals and golden plovers.”
“We are very grateful for the work carried out by the Environment Agency to help us create what will be a wonderful, wet and wild landscape.”
Here is the full press release by the RSPB – saltmarsh and includes notes on the importance of this project.
While you are visiting the RSPB site check out their British wildlife and bird images they are amazing and high resolution images can be purchased from the site.
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