The Alde and Ore estuary has been
managed and altered by humans for many centuries. Much of the
land next to the estuary has been reclaimed over the past 200
years. Flood embankments running alongside the river channel
provide flood protection to this reclaimed land. A diverse environment
has developed on the reclaimed floodplain that supports features
of nature conservation interest and activities such as tourism,
recreation and agriculture.
South of Martello Tower, Aldeburgh
Existing flood defences run along extensive stretches of the
Alde and Ore estuary. In many places earth embankments protect
agricultural, residential and environmentally important locations,
whilst the towns of Aldeburgh and Orford host harder concrete
and rock revetments to the earth embankments. Historically,
the estuary was defended through its entire length. However
after the surge of 1953 some of the defences, particularly around
Iken and at Long Reach, failed and were later abandoned after
it become unviable to continue to repair them.
To download:
An introductory pamphlet to the Alde and Ore strategy click
here
(PDF format).
Information on general flood management options being considered
for the Alde and Ore strategy click here
(PDF format).
The Shortlisting Options consultation document for the Alde
and Ore strategy, click here
(PDF format).
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Some of the remaining defences are now deteriorating. Channel
alignments are changing, areas of saltmarsh are eroding, and
the long-term sustainability of the flood defences is in question.
Sea levels are also rising; the effect of this will be to increase
the risk of flooding and to increase the rate of defence deterioration.
Future flood defence management therefore needs to be considered
very carefully to provide the most appropriate level of protection
for residential properties, commercial activities and the
environment. In order to do this the Environment Agency is
undertaking a review of the issues affecting flood defences
in the Alde and Ore estuary. This will determine and confirm
a strategy for flood management to be implemented in the coming
years.
Butley River at Butley Marshes
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