New overflow system could help rare wildlife thrive

Flood issues which have prevented rare species of birds from thriving could be significantly reduced after the completion of a new overflow system.

The B1127, which links Wrentham and Southwold Road, had long been prone to rising water levels, hindering successful nesting and causing periodic closures.

In a bid to combat the problem, Natural England installed what it said was an "innovative" drainage system in the 140-hectare wildlife habitat, Easton Valley.

Completed earlier this month, it was hoped the emergency overflow would help maintain water levels, which would give birds the best chance of breeding successfully.

Adam Burrows, senior reserve manager at Natural England, said: "Rising water levels had prevented successful nesting as well as causing road closures.

"We hope the new drainage system will maintain optimal water levels, enabling wildlife to thrive whilst keeping the road open."

According to Natural England, managing the valley's water levels had become increasingly difficult due to the acceleration of coastal erosion since the 1950s.

If the existing outfall became blocked the valley could become flooded with both fresh or salt water - and sometimes both.

This can have a negative impact on the rare breeding birds that the reedbed supports, such as bitterns and marsh harriers, and disrupt the public.

One footpath across the Pottersbridge Marshes, for example, would frequently become submerged by raised water levels, and parts of the B1127 would be shut.

But the new drainage system, some of which was installed beneath a beach near Southwold, could fix the issue and reduce diversions on the King Charles III England Coast Path by 2.5 miles (4km).

"This project demonstrates how working with nature can simultaneously manage flood risk, support wildlife, and maintain access for communities," added Burrows.

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