THE SOLUTION

We know the flood defence walls of the Alde and Ore Estuary are in poor condition. The serious flood event of 2013 was caused by an east coast tidal surge. The walls were breached and damaged homes, businesses and wildlife habitats.

 This was a 1 in 17-year event which means that there is a nearly 6% probability of something like this happening in any given year. Experts estimate parts of the wall are vulnerable to a 1 in 5-year event, which means that the chances of this happening in any one year are 20%.

The solution is to work in partnership with the local community and the Environment Agency to make our defence walls more resilient.

The Alde & Ore Estuary Plan is to upgrade the walls so they are resilient in the face of growing threats of flooding.

In Spring 2026 we reached an agreement with the East Suffolk Water Management Board (ESWMB) which has the support of the Alde & Ore Community Partnership (AOCP) and the Environment Agency (EA). This will enable us to make refurbishments to the Alde and Ore Estuary defences starting in 2027.

The agreement is to provide grant awards of up to £250,000 a year for five years towards a significant programme of works which 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 dedicated senior engineer who is employed by the ESWMB. It has been agreed that by the end of September the ESWMB will produce a report on the current status of our estuary’s defences and prepare a plan based on the prioritised risk of flooding and the urgency of works required.

You can follow updates from the ESWMB here.

Project Milestone Timeline 2026 - 2027

This is the timeline of works which has been developed by ESWMB as part of the agreement.

May

Reviewed the Estuary Plan, previous studies and the latest information from the Environment Agency, including data on ground levels, flood defence condition and water levels across the estuary.

June

Developed and tested methods for identifying maintenance needs across the whole estuary using available data. Carried out site visits and inspections throughout the estuary, including GPS surveys and photographs, to verify and improve the accuracy of project data.

July

Detailed investigations around the Estuary undertaken. Provided support to  the Environment Agency to help identify urgent maintenance priorities and requests for funding. Work also continues to refine the assessment methods being used across the project.

August

Develop and test methods for assessing the condition and reliability of flood defence assets, alongside quantifying the potential impacts of flooding. This will create an initial “long-list” of possible maintenance and improvement activities across the estuary.

September - December

Carry out targeted site surveys to confirm maintenance requirements. Develop and test methods for assessing the costs and benefits of different interventions. Prioritise activities from the “long-list” to produce a recommended programme of works for the current five-year management period, involving the opportunity for discussions with the estuary community through the AOCP.

December - April

Completing planning activities such as securing any consents or licences required, design works, access arrangements and enabling works.

April

Works are planned to commence across the Estuary.

THE PEOPLE WE WORK WITH

 

  • We are lucky to be able to work with the ESWMB. They are an autonomous and democratically accountable public body that manages the water levels behind the river defence walls, known as internal drainage districts.

    We have chosen them because of their expertise and also because they are a non profit Risk Management Authority enabled to present a case for a government grant (Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management-Grant in Aid).

    We have funded their evaluation options and business case submissions to the Environment Agency.

    To learn more about East Suffolk WMB within the Water Management Alliance see www.wlma.org.uk

  • The EA is committed to preserving the best of our environment and a nation resilient to climate change. For more information on the Environment Agency please click here.

  • The AOCP provides a voice for the local community. It involves each parish that borders the rivers with county and district councillors as well as local businesses and the ESWMB. The partnership works closely with the ESWMB and AOET.

  • The AOA is a charity dedicated to taking care of our rivers and landscape today and tomorrow.

    Click here to become a member of the AOA.