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The Outstrays - October 2025 Update | Humber 2100+ | Engage Environment Agency 

Skeffling - Managed Realignment in Action Protecting and enhancing biodiversity around the Humber Estuary is an important goal for the Environment Agency. At the Outstrays to Skeffling managed realignment scheme we have created 170 hectares of intertidal habitat (saltmarsh and mudflats) and 87 hectares of supporting freshwater 'wet grassland' habitat. These areas have been designed to replace habitat losses resulting from our work to reduce the impacts of flooding in the Humber Estuary as well as port development by Associated British Ports. Creating these habitats has involved building a new flood embankment further inland from the old one and excavating the land between the old and new embankments to form an intertidal basin. The final stage has been the excavation of a breach in the old embankment, letting the tides flow into and out of the site.

Embankments and mudflats at Skeffling

Environmental Benefits

The Environment Agency’s mission statement is to protect and improve the environment.   Around the Estuary, the Humber 2100+ partnership is working to develop a long-term approach to manage the consequences of sea level rise and tidal flooding. The needs of the natural environment will be embedded into any future approach for managing tidal risk, supporting nature’s ability to adapt, and in turn enhancing the resilience of the wider area.

Loss of habitat is a major threat to wildlife populations in the Humber Estuary. The new habitats at the Outstrays to Skeffling site will contribute to the mosaic of sites around the estuary, providing space for nature to thrive in the future. 

With construction now substantially complete, we are already seeing benefits from the habitat created on this site. This includes sightings of rare and endangered bird species in both terrestrial and intertidal habitat areas. We are also safeguarding the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the site, which is important for butterflies, sea aster mining bees and other invertebrates. We have planted trees and hedgerows to provide corridors for wildlife to safely navigate their way around the site.

In addition to creating and protecting areas of new habitat, we want to give people better access to nature and opportunities to learn about what makes the estuary a special place. We have created new facilities for visitors to the site, including almost eight kilometres of bridleway and paths, with special 'flexipave' ramps leading onto and off the new embankment. These make the route accessible to all users and safe for horses as well. The paths form part of the new King Charles III England Coast Path which is shown on the National Trails website: King Charles III England Coast Path - North East Map and Information - National Trails. 

We have built a new carpark near Welwick and installed four bird hides on the site with interpretation boards planned for the end of the scheme. An additional car park will open following completion of the new pumping station at Skeffling.