Background Environment Agency required to compensate for loss of internationally important intertidal habitat from process of coastal squeeze (3000ha in next 100 years) Severn Estuary: 200km flood defence embankment: protects 84,000 properties through FCRM Strategies Steart peninsula identified as a potential area at 500ha it s one of the largest wetland habitat creation scheme in the UK a successful long-term partnership with Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust a site that demonstrates best practice in public engagement; is an exemplar of landscape wetland design; and provides benefit people and wildlife
From design on paper to working wetland 2009: initial designs; extensive early stakeholder consultation begins 2010: preferred option presented to stakeholders 2011: trail embankment built; EPS mitigation & archaeological work begins 2012: planning approved by Sedgemoor District Council; construction starts 2013: construction new flood banks completed; hand-over to WWT 2014: opened as WWT Steart Marshes; paths finished; breach completed 21.7 million pounds: 320ha intertidal, 80ha freshwater & 50ha brackish habitat
Inter-tidal habitat a change in landscape from improved pasture/cultivated land to saltmarsh accretion will allow for the natural development of dynamic intertidal habitats benefit to specialised plants, migratory waterfowl and fish some areas will inundate infrequently and resemble permanent pasture a working landscape underpinned by an extensive grazing system over 300ha of saltmarsh providing a living, natural flood defence Will trap an estimated 650 tonnes of carbon each year
Functional freshwater wetlands improved storage capacity within local IDB rhyne network ability to store flood water within higher catchment enhanced wetland landscape rich in biodiversity 130ha mosaic of wildlife-rich fresh & brackish water wetlands integral part of a wider local landscape: Bridgwater Bay and Pawlett Hams a refuge for species such as great crested newt, water vole and otter an enhanced visitor experience of functional wetlands
People and Wildlife continue to maintain strong links with local residents and Parish communities provide safe access to nature through appropriate levels of interpretation over 10km of new multi-use paths including regional & national coastal trails seek ways to measure net economic benefit WWT staff presence: site manager, wardens and engagement officers create opportunities for volunteering, skills learning, training and research develop wardened activities and self guided trails to focal observation points
Constraints and design
Constraints and design
Constraints and design WWT Steart Marshes a wetland working for people and wildlife
Constraints and design
Vision, changes and management
Construction Excavation volume: 489,442 m 3 over 1M tonnes material Length of creek: 2,900m 4.2Mm 3 of water at HAT
Computer aided design
Breach completion
Breach completion
Breach completion
Breach completion
Breach completion WWT Steart Marshes a wetland working for people and wildlife
Reserve enhancements stoning and creation of islands and scrapes provision of reserve infrastructure extensive predator and stock fencing traditional livestock management burying of power supply cables to Steart
Survey, monitoring, review and adaptation
Learning, engagement, training and volunteering active participation through volunteering provision of skill training practical work parties increased public interface enhancing learning with colleges and schools working directly with local community
Summary Compensate for the loss of saltmarsh elsewhere in the Severn Estuary in order to maintain defences that protect 84,000 properties worth 5 billion Improved flood protection for Steart village and local infrastructure Be managed in association with local people (volunteers & farmers) Provide better access for walkers, horse-riders, cyclists and wheelchair users Create opportunities for learning and skills development Produce upto 1 million worth of goods and services every year The creation of Steart Marshes has turned hundreds of hectares of the Steart Peninsula in Somerset into vibrant living wetlands
Vision We need to be brave and bold if we are going to deal with the impacts of climate change. WWT Steart Marshes proves you can protect homes and businesses by using wetland technology that works with nature, not against it. WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray CBE