A selection of photos taken in February 2021 show the current landscape of Aldeburgh Marshes and Hazlewood marshes as well as the history of the scouring effects of the tidal surge in December 2013.
The first photo shows the lasting affects of the scouring of the trees at the back of Hazlewood marshes, alongside the raised islands created more recently by Suffolk Wildlife trust to attract Avocet’s and other birds.
The second photo shows reed beds which have survived at the back of Hazlewood marshes. The Reed beds would have been important habitats for Bitterns when the marshes were freshwater habitats before the tidal surge.
The third photo is taken from the top of the estuary flood defences, looking out to Aldeburgh marshes on the right and the Alde Ore Estuary on the left. The flood defences are built to reduce the effects of tidal surges risking damage to Aldeburgh marshes and town.
The fourth photo looks out on the Estuary at the shore of Iken Cliff, near Snape. Flood defences at Iken marshes, near Iken cliff were subject to partial and actual breaches due to the tidal surge in December 2013. The breaches to the freshwater reserve were repaired quickly, but the area continues to be vulnerable to future breaches due to tidal surges. Flood defences out in the estuary show signs of previous breaches.
Finally, the peace of the winter sun on Hazlewood marshes, shows a reserve that continues to thrive and is home to many native and migratory birds. But the area, like the rest of the estuary is subject to the forces of the North Sea and the ability of aging flood defences to withstand rising sea levels and consequent storm surges.
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