Outstrays to Skeffling Managed Realignment (OtSMRS) - Pumping station and breach works resume

OtSMRS continues to attract visitors. Over the winter, there were many different varieties of birds, a diverse range of other species and visitors particularly have enjoyed the new bridleway and bird hides. Work paused during the winter to protect the over-wintering birds, but the site team have begun to remobilise enabling work to resume. In early January, a small material slip occurred resulting in some emergency work to improve and minimise the likelihood of it reoccurring. Around the same time, the Skeffling pumping station compound was flooded due to a power cut to the existing pumping station. However, there was no significant damage.

Further erosion of the breach occurred over the winter months. However, the breach still requires further expansion to better accommodate the flow of water out from the site. The MMO (Marine Management Organisation) licence has been approved and the HRA (Habitats Regulations Appraisal) has been updated to reflect this work. The works are due to be carried out in late spring/early summer when the site is likely to be drier and will better support plant movement.

The Skeffling pumping station works have resumed and should be complete by the winter. Work on Winestead pumping station (a separate Environment Agency project, being delivered under this contract with consultants for efficiency) will begin in earnest this year.

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