Progress for the Alde and Ore Estuary
Thanks to a new funding agreement, essential work to improve river defences will begin in 2027
July 2026
Dear friends of the AOET,
We are very pleased to update you on the breakthrough we have been able to achieve, working in partnership with the East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB), the Alde & Ore Community Partnership (AOCP) and the Environment Agency (EA). This will see improvements made to the Alde and Ore Estuary river defences, starting in 2027.
Unlocking progress
Our agreement, to provide grant awards of up to £250,000 a year for five years towards a significant programme of works, has been met by a matching contribution of £250,000 a year from the ESWMB. The Environment Agency is currently contributing £10,000 per year. Under the terms of the agreement, works will start next year.
We have accelerated this work by providing 50% of the funding for a technical consultant who is employed by the East Suffolk Water Management Board. His role is, by the end of September, to produce a detailed report on the current status of our estuary’s defences and prepare a project plan based on the risk of flooding and the urgency of works required.
Our approach
The whole Estuary Plan remains our long-term goal. However, the community has been trying to deliver the plan for many years and has been met by constant delay, red tape and cost increases. In the shorter-term, this new agreement is a pragmatic way forward. We will be in a better position to obtain the approvals which are needed to get crucial work underway, and to repair on-going damage. This will help halt further decline and give us a better foundation for future works. For the Trust, following years of frustration, this agreement is a significant step towards positive action.
Community Support
A meeting of all those involved in our new agreement was hosted by our MP, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, on Friday 10th July. A clear message is that we must all work together to improve defences and plan for the long term.
Plan Details
The ESWMB has just issued a newsletter which details the work towards a September improvement plan, and we will communicate with you as outcomes are known. You can read it here.
Talk to us at the Orford Flower Show
Saturday 29th August, 1 - 4.30pm
Orford Recreational Ground, IP12 2LX
If you would like to discuss our plans and progress, please come to see us at the Orford Flower Show. Our Trustees would love to chat to you and hear your views.
Thank you to everyone who has supported The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust.
Your commitment has helped us reach an important milestone and demonstrate the strength of local partnership and community action. While there is still much to do, this agreement marks an important step forward, and we look forward to keeping you updated as we move from planning into delivery.
The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust
National Seal Week
Orford Ness is home to a thriving colony of grey seals, with 430 pups born in the last year. In the early 20th century, only 500 grey seals were recorded in the UK, now there are more than 120,000, representing 40% of the world's grey seals and 95% of the European population.
The larger of Britain's two seal species, they can grow to 2.6 metres in length, with males weighing up to 300kg. Their scientific name, Halichoerus grypus, translates to "hook-nosed sea pig".
They are often seen ‘hauled out’ on beaches, resting and digesting their food. Pups are born in autumn and winter and remain on land until they have shed their white coats and trebled their body weight before heading out to sea.
