An update on our changing coastline Final issue November 2011

Titchwell Marsh is an exceptional nature reserve in a special area. It is part of a network of
outstanding wildlife sites across Europe called Natura 2000.

We have previously explained that this nature reserve was under threat from the effects of coastal change, the impact of sea level rise and increasing storm events. The Titchwell Coastal Change Project was designed to save the reserve from the effect of these coastal changes.

We are pleased to say we have now successfully completed the project.

We have realigned the sea defences to the north and reinforced the sea banks around parts of the reserve to the west and east. The future of the reserve and its wildlife is assured for at least the next fifty years.

We could not have achieved this without support and funding received from the EU Life+ Nature Fund, WREN, The SITA Trust, Marine Conservation Fund, and the many individuals and RSPB supporters who donated and enabled this project to take place.

The project took several years to plan and three years to deliver. A summary of what has been achieved appears below:

• A new northern sea defence was built along the line of the Parrinder wall. The completed Parrinder wall will protect the reserve’s freshwater habitats to the south.
• The sea wall and west bank path were re-built and improved from the visitor centre northwards to the Parrinder wall. This sea wall will protect the freshwater habitats for years to come.
• Improvements were made to the freshwater marsh islands and reed bed to benefit nesting birds such as avocet and bittern.
  
• The fabulous new Parrinder hides opened in December 2010.
• A breach was made in the east bank to the north of the new Parrinder wall. This has allowed saltwater on to the brackish marsh which will change over time into tidal saltmarsh. The new saltmarsh will in turn protect the new Parrinder wall. This new marsh will be known as Volunteer Marsh.
• A section of the south-east corner of the east bank was improved, enabling it to better protect the freshwater habitats which lie to the west.
• The sluice on the east bank, which lets freshwater off the marsh, was replaced. This will enable us to control water levels on the freshwater marsh more effectively than we can at present.
• A new reedbed area was shaped and formed in the grazing meadow east of Fen hide.
• A new reedbed area was shaped and formed in the grazing meadow east of Fen hide.

A ‘Thank you’ to the local community
We would like to thank the local community for all the help, encouragement and patience you have shown during the course of the project.
We hope that you will continue to visit and enjoy the fabulous wildlife and facilities at Titchwell Marsh for many years to come.
The project has protected and improved the conservation value of the reserve and has ensured that it remains a valuable asset for visitors and the local community.

To find out more about Titchwell Marsh and its fabulous wildlife
Look at our website www.rspb.org.uk/titchwell
Call at the visitor centre and ask members of staff or volunteers; or read the regularly updated notice boards outside the centre.
Call 01485 210779 during shop hours.
Email titchwell@rspb.org.uk
Write to Titchwell Marsh RSPB Nature Reserve, Titchwell, Norfolk PE31 8BB

THE CHANGING FACE OF TITCHWELL MARSH

The Dunes.
Over the years, these dunes have eroded dramatically. The World War II pill box which is currently exposed on the beach was in the middle of the dunes 30 years ago. The studies we have carried out suggest the coastline here willcontinue to retreat, putting further pressure on the north wall of the reserve.

The north wall.
This wall currently protects the brackish marsh but is already showing signs of erosion due to increased pressure by big high tides. We have left this wall in place and will allow natural processes to continue to occur here.

Parrinder hides.
The two new hides were completed in December 2010. They have recently won an architectural award.

Freshmarsh.
In 2010, new islands were created on the freshmarsh and existing islands were improved for the benefit of nesting and roosting birds.

The west bank path.
In 2010, the west bank path was strengthened and raised slightly. The newly strengthened bank better protects the reserve from the sea to the west.

What we are protecting.
Our freshwater reedbed is home to an amazing amount of nationally important wildlife. Bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers all breed on the site. We cannot risk saltwater getting into this freshwater system, as it could have a devastating impact on some of these species.

New pool, reedbed and trails.
A new pool was created in this area in 2010. In 2012, a new reedbed will be encouraged to develop around the new pool. Shrubs and bushes will also be planted in adjacent areas for nesting and migrant birds.
Two new trails are being developed into this area. These new trails will offer fantastic new opportunities for visitors to get close to our wildlife in previously inaccessible areas. They will open to the public seasonally in the second half of 2012.

East bank.
The southern end of the east bank was repaired and strengthened using materials taken from the wet grazing meadow to the south-west. The newly raised and strengthened bank
will protect the eastern boundary.

A new sluice.
A new sluice was installed in the east bank. This will enable us to more effectively control the water levels on the freshwater marsh for the benefit of our wildlife.

Parrinder wall.
The final easternmost section of the wall was strengthened and raised using
materials excavated from the wet grazing meadow to the south. The completed wall will better protect the reserve from the sea to the north.

The breach.
We put a breach in the east bank here. This has allowed the sea onto the former brackish marsh, which will revert to salt marsh. Salt marsh is a very effective sea defence and it will give excellent protection to the reserve from the sea to the north as well as providing a great habitat for wildlife. We have renamed the brackish marsh Volunteer marsh as a‘Thank you’ to all our hardworking volunteers