The shingle ridge between Walberswick and Dunwich has traditionally been maintained by the Environment Agency (EA). In the past, any breaches have been repaired maintaining the height and width of the ridge to its original profile. According to the EA, the repair carried out in early autumn 2006 cost £23,000.

Breaches to the shingle ridge are typically caused by a combination of tidal surges and north-easterly winds. These surges can produce waves sufficient to break through the shingle ridge. These tidal surges occur when spring tides, changes in wind direction and low atmospheric pressure, combine with strong winds to hold back water in the North Sea and therefore create artificially high sea levels. Long term rising sea levels are not a significant factor although the Environment Agency asserts that the frequency of these tidal surges will increase with climate change.

On 1st November 2006, the shingle bank was again breached in four places. After considerable lobbying the EA agreed to repair the breach on a one-off basis at a reported cost of £15,100. This work was completed over a two day period ending 6th December 2006.

On 19th March 2007, the EA released a consultation document which stated that...

"Subject to funding it may be prepared to undertake to protect houses in St James' Street, Dunwich and Westwood Marshes from flooding by the sea."

The EA also proposes to relocate Natural England's existing wildlife habitat. Once this is completed the EA no longer intends to maintain the shingle ridge and proposes instead that the sea be allowed to break into the area behind the ridge so that it becomes an

"...estuary with a direct and permanent link to the sea."

The Environment Agency does not appear to have taken account of the economic and recreational dis-benefits of the proposed strategy in its analysis.

In deciding to create this new estuary, the EA has not taken account of the impact on Walberswick, the beach or the marshes.

Bulldozer at the Dingle (photo: Michael Page)