Environment Agency report says full recharge of Heacham and Snettisham shingle ridge is not required

A full “recharge” of a vital sea defence is not currently required - but residents have again been warned against digging into it.

The Environment Agency has released a report on the ongoing work to understand the future management of the ‘shingle ridge’ which stretches along the coast between Snettisham and Heacham.

Last year, the agency instructed contractors to undertake an initial assessment of the ridge which runs along the beaches in the two villages. It forms the primary means of reducing the risk of tidal flooding to the people, houses, businesses and caravans in the area.

The assessment was to investigate whether economic, social and environmental triggers which would change how the ridge is managed had been reached.

Upon completion, it has indicated that the quantity of material on the beach is at a good level and that a recharge is not currently required.

Beach recharging involves the Environment Agency bringing in material from elsewhere to replace that which has been taken out to sea through waves.

Instead, the agency will continue to annually move existing material around the beaches to any low spots in a process known as ‘beach recycling’.

The report also indicated that the economic trigger had been met, meaning that should a beach recharge be required in the coming years, it would now fall short of the approved funding limits.

As a result of the report, the Environment Agency will be updating the 2015 Wash East Coast Management Strategy (WECMS) for Hunstanton to Wolferton Creek.

The updated strategy will further assess the latest monitoring data and will reflect the findings of the initial assessment report. It will ultimately determine the future flood risk management approach for this section of coastline.

Speaking to the Lynn News about the shingle ridge, Sadia Moeed, area director for the Environment Agency, said: “It’s basically a dune system. It’s actually the most important form of flood defence for the people of properties directly behind it.

“What the report is telling us is that the sand on the beach is really stable, the shingle ridge is stable. In some places it’s growing - so the beach recharge actually isn’t needed.

“Our recycling activity that we do is being really effective and should continue - but what we do also know is, should the beach recharge be needed at some point in the future, it won’t be affordable.

“There are a number of other options we need to consider for the future now.”

The next stage for the Environment Agency will be a strategic review of how the coastline is managed, resulting in an updated WECMS.

The cost of a beach recharge would cost around three or four times was it would have back in 2016, according to the latest assessment.

The last time one was carried out was around 20 years ago, and Ms Moeed says things have “changed dramatically” in terms of finances since then.

Recycling activities will therefore continue until 2031 - unless a significant amount of sand is lost from the beach through a huge tidal surge.

“But even the 2013 tidal surge, which was the biggest surge this coast has ever seen in living memory, didn’t result in the need for a recharge,” Ms Moeed said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s unlikely - there’s always a risk. It’s really important for the people who live here to understand that it’s at a flood risk.

“When you are living behind a structure like the shingle ridge, your responsibility to maintain it and protect it is also really important.”

Concerns were raised towards the end of last year that some residents had been digging into the ridge because it had started to encroach on their properties.

“We’ve done a huge campaign of trying to help people understand, because you wouldn’t know,” Ms Moeed said.

“It just looks like part of the beach - you wouldn’t know it’s such an important flood defence.”

The Environment Agency says it will continue to work with the community and West Norfolk Council to determine the next steps following the initial assessment.

They will be hosting two drop-in sessions which will allow those living in the area to find out more about the report and the next steps.

The first session will be at Snettisham Sailing Club on August 8 from 4pm-6.30pm. The second will be at Heacham Methodist Church Hall on August 9 from 4pm-6.30pm.

Ms Moeed said: “Following this report, it is more important than ever that residents help to protect the ridge to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

“Property owners should refrain from digging into the ridge at all and approach the Environment Agency if they wish to undertake works within 16m of it. This will help preserve the integrity of the ridge and its ability to perform as a natural flood defence.

“In the meantime, the Environment Agency will be looking at future options it can take in step with the council and local residents.”

Cllr Sandra Squire, the borough council’s cabinet member for environment and coastal, added: “The approach taken by the Environment Agency to engage with residents and visitors, alongside organisations including the borough council, is very much welcomed.

“The report will be scrutinised by our E&C Panel as well as representatives of the local community. It’s vital that residents and tourists understand that they play a part in ensuring this natural defence is protected.

“I urge residents who live on or near this coastline to attend one of the drop-in sessions to be held in August to find out how they can play their part and have a say in the future of the Shingle Ridge.”