What is happening to the Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club?

The Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club is facing a "frightening situation" as the shoreline at the mouth of the River Deben in Suffolk has "very drastically" started to wash away, threatening the club's coastal path and access to the bank where boats are kept.

How are the Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club members responding?

The club's members have jumped into action, installing temporary wooden structures and carrying out repairs to one of the groynes at a cost of £5,500. They now want a permanent barrier installed and to rebuild more of the old groynes, which could cost up to £35,000.

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Coastal Erosion Threatens Beloved Boating Club's Future

Q: What is the impact of the coastal erosion on the local area?

The area around the Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club is frequented by residents, dog walkers, holiday makers, visitors, and local school children, as well as activity groups from PGL, which owns the land. The erosion could potentially impact all of these groups if the coastal path and access to the club are lost.

17 Nov

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Summary

Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club faces risk of losing coastal path and boat access
Members working to temporarily shore up coastline at £5,500 cost
Permanent barrier and groyne repairs could cost up to £35,000

Coastal Erosion Threatens Beloved Boating Club's Future

As of November 17th, 2025, the Bawdsey Haven Yacht Club in Suffolk is facing a concerning situation due to the rapid erosion of the coastline. The club, which has been in operation for over three decades, is located at the mouth of the River Deben and is now at risk of losing its coastal path and access to the bank where boats are kept.

According to long-time member Janette Godfrey, the shoreline has "very drastically" started to wash away, creating a "frightening situation." She fears that the coastal path and boat access could "disappear, quite possibly within a year without immediate action." In response, the club's members have jumped into action to try and temporarily halt the erosion, installing wooden structures and carrying out repairs to one of the groynes at a cost of £5,500.

However, the members now want a permanent barrier installed and to rebuild more of the old groynes, which previously protected the area. This could see costs rise to £35,000. The club has approached East Suffolk Council and the Environment Agency for advice and support, but so far, the help has not been forthcoming.

The area is frequented by residents, dog walkers, holiday makers, visitors, and local school children, as well as activity groups from PGL, which is understood to own the land. The club's secretary, Nicholas Pope, has described the situation as "very worrying and volatile," with the erosion potentially going "all the way back" if not addressed.

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