Friday 3 January 2014

Cley Marshes new year update

Cley Marshes in December 2013, photo by Jonathan Forgham
Norfolk Wildlife Trust would like to give special thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time in the busy run-up to Christmas to help out in the initial clear up at Cley and Salthouse  following the storm surge. Their hard work and support has enabled the opening of the Bishops Hide and access path from the East bank through to Cley village and ensured visitors could access the reserve through the Christmas and New Year period.  Access to the reserve would not have been possible without the impressive turn out and dedication of volunteers and staff for which Norfolk Wildlife Trust is extremely grateful.

The Visitor Centre remains open as usual and fully accessible. We have reduced our admission fee to £2 as a result but please consider matching that fee with a £2 donation. Your donation will be used to fund the repairs to Cley Marshes, which include repairs to boardwalks, hides, and paths. Currently we estimate our repairs will cost up to £100,000.

The New Year will see us look to working on the main block of hides however this is going to take much longer because the structural part of the boardwalk to them has been severely damage. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause visitors and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust is extremely concerned about the breaches in the shingle bank as sea water continues to enter the reserve’s freshwater marshes on high tides.  We are  working with both the Environment Agency and Natural England to agree a schedule for the EA to carry out the necessary repairs.

For all the updates: http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/Home/News/FLOOD-LATEST.aspx



2 comments:

  1. You used to read that Norfolk was the place for birdwatchers but it's obvious to most people that it's days are numbered following the latest of these massive flooding events to hit Cley and the Norfolk coast.
    Is it wise for NWT to continue to lavish millions on new paths and hides to see them wash away in a few short years when the next big sea arrives. Will the land appeal still go ahead after this? I would think not but guess it will!
    It really is time to let nature do its thing.

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  2. How short sighted a response and full of inaccuracies as well. Footpaths and hides will not cost millions, rather more like 10s of 1000s. The NWT is working with and alongside nature, though nature is always have the final say. North Norfolk still remains on most birders places of where to go, whatever the time of year.

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