Home / Environment / River Rebirth: Path and Landscape Restoration Underway
River Rebirth: Path and Landscape Restoration Underway
17 Aug
Summary
- Weir breach caused significant habitat damage and water level drop.
- Restoring a well-used footpath is a top priority for local councils.
- Future plans aim to improve landscape resilience against floods and drought.
A significant weir breach at Ufford Hole previously caused extensive damage to habitats along the Essex and Suffolk rivers, leading to a substantial drop in water levels in the Deben. Water flowed rapidly into a side channel, leaving the downstream riverbed in puddles.
In response, local councils, landowners, and the Environment Agency have developed an action plan, identifying the restoration of a much-loved and well-used footpath as a top priority. Preparation for this work is expected to commence by early autumn.
Parish councils are focused on clearing dried channels to re-establish water flow to Old Melton Mill. Looking ahead, the project aims to improve the resilience of the surrounding landscape, safeguarding the footpath, farmland, and railway from increased winter flooding and summer drought challenges.
This broader plan requires significant additional funding, with opportunities for public support anticipated for those who value this special area.
