Hazlewood marshes provides unique biodiversity in an environment moulded by its fortunes as an intertidal reserve.
Sediment deposits are accreting at Hazelwood, noticeably in the former freshwater channels. The sediment is thought to consist of estuarine silt, which could concur with analysis that describes the Alde Ore estuary as flood-dominant, i.e that it has a tendency to drop silt.
As part of a report in 2014 by Kenneth Pye Associates, to investigate the implications of allowing Hazlewood to become intertidal, analysis was conducted into the sediment content of the Alde Ore estuary. It was found that sediment in the upper reaches of the Alde Ore estuary, consisted mainly of mud, but sand and gravel could be found in creek beds and in the toe of eroding marsh cliffs. Research has also found that erosion of the north Suffolk cliffs could supply 95% of the mud 89% of the sand and 62% of the gravel sediment found on the open coast and in the estuaries of Suffolk (Burningham, French, 2016).
It could be said, one fly in the ointment at Hazelwood, is that alongside the vegetation, bird, fish and sea life, the activities of the daily tides and the connection to the North Sea continue to shape the landscape.
The bird hide at the far end of the marshes which affords excellent views across Hazlewood and provides views to Ham Creek in the estuary, gets cut off by high spring tides.
The path to the hide is also being eroded across its width, possibly as a result of dessicated cracking.
The same process that contributed to the visible signs along the length of the remaining sea wall at Hazlewood, where evidence of failure of the entire landward facing wall can still be seen.
Sediment accretion and the development of islands, with saltmarsh are known to reduce the destructive energy of tidal waves. However, a report has found that rising sea levels could potentially reverse reductions in wave energy from offshore sand and shingle banks and saltmarsh (Burningham, French, 2016).
In its current form, Hazlewood continues to thrive, and potential exists for discovery of key fish species which are a conservation target for the Alde Ore estuary. But as the saying goes, time and tide wait for no man or living organism, in a dynamic, ever-changing intertidal regime.
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