The Deben estuary is an important area for those who live
and work there. It has ecological and landscape importance,
and associated economic, social and amenity value for the local
community and tourists alike. It will be critical for the development
of any flood management strategy to consider these varied interests
and to try and reach a balance between them within the constraints
of national policy and legislation.
The Deben estuary is a valuable resource for nature conservation,
with the majority of the estuary designated under European and
National legislation:
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the corresponding environmentally protected areas.
copyright
statement
The entire intertidal area of the estuary downstream of Bromeswell
is a designated Special Protection Area [SPA] and Ramsar Site
for its internationally important wintering bird populations,
in particular internationally important numbers of dark-bellied
brent geese.
The SPA is also designated under national legislation as a Site
of Special Scientific Interest [SSSI] for its nature conservation
value. The saltmarsh and intertidal mud-flats that occupy the
majority of the site display the most complete range of saltmarsh
community types in Britain.
Any flood management options within or adjacent to all of these
important sites have the potential to adversely affect the features
of interest, or conversely, provide opportunities for enhancement.
