Coast & Estuary Warden 2016 Summary

Transcription

1 Coast & Estuary Warden 2016 Summary ISSUE LITTER General: Remains a widespread problem, though Wardens noted some areas were noticeably clean despite high visitor use, eg. Southwold, from the pier, along the sea front and Blackshore/Harbour Road to the Bailey Bridge. Reydon Marshes; Southwold Marshes; Tinkers Marsh; Dingle Marshes; Dunwich; Thorpeness; Aldeburgh; Snape Maltings; Nacton; Orwell Country Park foreshore and Shotley Marina were generally identified as being litter free. Conversely, accumulations were noted at Covehithe, Alderton (both surprising due to remoteness); Felixstowe (only in places, most noticeably around groynes and rock armour), and Levington. Often it was noted that litter free beaches followed a significantly high tide, as would be expected. ACTION The AONB promotes and publicises the MCS Beachwatch scheme along the Suffolk coast and estuaries. Please see the 2016 Suffolk Beachwatch Results for further detail. (Due to be published Spring 2017) The main items of litter identified were of plastic origin. Once again, 7/10 of the top 10 finds in the 2016 MCS Great British Beach Clean (GBBC) were made of plastic or polystyrene. Over 20 teams took part in the 2016 event in Suffolk. Source: MCS The MCS GBBC 2016 Report also makes specific mention of the significant national increase in wet wipes, plastic drink containers, and balloons (see page 2). On a positive note, there was a dramatic decrease in plastic bags, likely to be a result of the levy introduced in 2015 in England. The 2016 Suffolk Beachwatch Results will be published in Spring Specific litter issues were recorded at Kessingland, Southwold, Walberswick, Dunwich, Sizewell, Thorpeness, Hazlewood Marshes (Aldeburgh), Kirton Creek, Martlesham Creek, Bromeswell, Woodbridge and Landguard (Felixstowe). Larger items included barbed wire, chairs, building rubbish and bicycles. Butley River and Shingle Street. Chantry Marshes, Orford regular seaborne litter accumulation. East Lane, Bawdsey a large amount of seaborne litter accumulates here, mainly plastic and wood, also tar. Reported to Waveney Norse. Wardens kindly removed plastic agricultural sheeting and fishing paraphernalia respectively. Note made as potential Beachwatch location. SCH Beachwatch events now occur here quarterly; 100m surveyed, 1.5-2hrs each time, eg. July: 25kg of rubbish, inc. 23 pieces/entire balloons; 543 plastic lids. The next day, 1 balloon; 4 days later, 4 more bags of

2 litter removed by a Warden; 1 week later, another 4kg of litter was removed by the same Warden thank you! Bawdsey Quay nurdles were found amongst the seaweed, during a Great British Beach Clean event, photo below L. Gilbert. The report is the first one logged for Suffolk. Nurdles are small, 3-5mm, round plastic pellets, used by industry to make nearly all our plastic products. They are mostly clear or white but turn yellow over time, but you can get coloured pellets too. Like all plastics in our seas, they are harmful to the marine environment as they attract and concentrate environmental pollutants such as DDT and PCB s to highly toxic levels. They are mistaken for prey by marine mammals and seabirds and enter the food chain. They will not go away, but just fragment into smaller and smaller plastic pieces. When visiting the coast or estuaries, please keep your eyes open for nurdles, although they are not easy to spot on shingle beaches! The best place to look is amongst other plastic, vegetation and the strandline. Please wear gloves if you want to collect them and put them in a jam jar or bag and dispose of them responsibly. Please let me know if you find any and also log your findings with the national survey here, Orwell Country Park fire damage to a tree and a boat wreck. LITTER Miscellaneous: Items of interest found by Wardens included amber, a whalebone, a medieval jug handle - probably from the 13 th /14th centuries - and the lid of a sea mine found in London clay on the coast, photo below L. Gilbert. Reported to IBC Rangers. The sea mine lid was reported to Police and HM Coastguard. Investigated by Navy bomb disposal.

3 LITTER Balloons: Balloons were recorded at Kessingland, Dingle Sluice, Dunwich (3), Shingle Street (2) Alderton (4 in a 2-week period) and East Lane, Bawdsey, where the total collected from 4 seasonal MCS Beachwatch surveys in 2016 (100m surveyed for 1.5-2hrs each time) was 78 balloons/pieces of/ribbons/stoppers. In addition to this, a local resident collects 1+ balloons on a daily basis. Photo, page 3: 23 balloon/pieces were collected during the Summer Beachwatch survey, July 2016, Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. The GBBC 2016 results identified an astonishing rise in the amount of balloon related litter, up more than 50% on The MCS Don t Let Go campaign is actively trying to address this issue. Where it was safe to do so, Wardens collected the balloons and disposed of them responsibly, for which we are grateful. The AONB s Position Statement is that: It is considered by the AONB Partnership that balloon and sky lantern releases have the potential to adversely impact upon the special qualities of the area and are not supported by the Partnership. The Partnership takes this position as: 1. There is a risk of harm to wildlife, particularly marine wildlife, and livestock (ingestion, entanglement, entrapment, panic) from released balloons and sky lanterns. 2. Unexpired sky lanterns pose a fire hazard and may be mistaken at sea for distress flares.

4 3. Both contribute to the defacement of land by litter and waste and incur clean-up costs (in 2013 the average density of balloons and balloon pieces found on UK beaches was items/km). LITTER Dog Fouling: Wardens observed high levels of dog fouling at Kessingland (bagged and unbagged); Covehithe, Sizewell, Shingle Street, the river wall between Woodbridge and Melton, and between the rocks at Landguard, Felixstowe out of sight, out of mind At Covehithe, trees and hedges were adorned with bagged dog poo and plastic bottles, despite a sign saying No Litter. Photo below, C. Steptoe. All locations were passed on to Waveney Norse, including suggesting dog bins at Shingle Street and Covehithe, and discussing the issue with landowners at Covehithe.

5 LITTER Paraffin Wax: Found at Alderton and East Lane, Bawdsey. BAIT DIGGING: Kessingland to Lowestoft - Suspected use of a bait digging pump on the beach, photo below E. Clark. November 2016: Cefas have taken on the investigation to try and identify the source. Reports and information gathered by SCH AONB since 2011, have been shared and samples sent to Cefas for analysis. On-going. Reported to NE and being investigated, in conjunction with Waveney District Council. DISTURBANCE: Kessingland to Lowestoft - Dogs running up the bottom of the cliffs, despite the summer ban. Southwold - Lots of dogs on the beach (April). Warden suggested that dog ban should commence in April, rather than May. Another Warden also noted the high number of dogs on the beach in April, and the subsequent absence of birds on the beach. Reported to WN. Reported to SCDC/WN, and as at January 2017, the District Councils have extended the ban by 1 month, from 1st April 30 th September. Reydon Marshes - 6 plastic sail boards harboured on the river bank. East Lane, Bawdsey - Motor bikes witnessed on the Public Footpaths, which included the sea wall. A dog was seen running loose off the lead, distressing the swallows, which nest in the fortifications in the car park. Reported to the police, PRoW, EA & NE. Landowner informed.

6 Shingle Street - This location has become increasingly popular for kite surfing 2016 saw a big increase in numbers and attracts large numbers of spectators. It is a yearround sport - there were more on December 1st than any other day of the year! Unfortunately, they tend to park on the seaward side of the concrete ramp, which contravenes the SSSI regulations because of the potential damage to the vegetated shingle. The parking in the north car park often spreads onto the verge on the field side of the road, which can be hazardous. Falkenham/Kirton Marshes - Apache helicopter practicing over the river, causing the birds to vacate. Woodbridge - Low flying helicopter on the far side of the river. Cyclist cycling on the path and approx. 4 dogs off their leads. Felixstowe - The beach was quite empty, and someone took advantage of this by walking their dog on the beach, and allowing it to urinate. The Warden and their accompanying group, had to move to avoid the children playing in it. Could more be done to educate dog owners about their responsibilities, adhering to the no dogs on beach rule and the risks their dogs can present? Another Warden reported a dog off the lead on the beach, while the owner remained on the prom. The dog ran to the Warden and their child on their blanket, attempting to take the child s ball. River Ore - An identified motor boat, created significant wash on River Ore. On a later date, it was seen moving more sedately on the same river. Reported to NE. Complaints can be made directly to, As above. Cycling issue reported to PRoW. Passed to WN. Note made in case of future reoccurrence. COASTAL CHANGE: Owing to the coastal geology of Suffolk, ie. predominantly sand and shingle, it is a dynamic coast, eroding in places and accreting in others, as has happened throughout history. COASTAL CHANGE Erosion: Significant erosion was noted at Southwold Pier to Easton Bavents; Southwold Harbour to the Pier; Slaughden, Aldeburgh; Alderton; and Levington to Nacton, often resulting in the exposure of buried, and potentially hazardous items such as rubble and metal. Reported to SCDC/WN and EA.

7 Covehithe - Continues to be subject to damage from the elements and seasons. Evidence of metal detectorist activity into the cliff was also noted, and had caused damage to the path. Kessingland to Lowestoft - Nov. 2016: Scouring behind rock armour at Kessingland Sluice; pillbox now on cliff edge; significant erosion between lookout station/pontins and Pakefield caravan park, resulting in over-hanging trees and slumps. Evidence of people climbing up to carve on the cliff face. Warning signs have fallen at various locations. Aldeburgh to Thorpeness - The profile of the beach along the whole area walked has changed, leaving quite a steep bank in many places. A warning sign had been removed from the concrete 'embankment' at a pipe out let from the pumping station. Shingle Street - There are ongoing changes to the shingle banks and knolls at the mouth of the Ore. North Weir Point has retreated northwards with consequent effects on the openness of the mouth. The west bank of the Ore from the mouth to Barthorpe s Creek continues to be open to wave action which is of concern during north east winds. Bawdsey - Waves breaking over the top of the beach and onto the sea wall at the bottom of East Lane causing shingle bar and beach to be washed away. There has been damage between Beach Lane, Alderton and East Lane, Bawdsey, whereby a shingle beach which previously separated the lagoon from the sea, is now a wall and the sea has become a tidal inlet. South of East Lane, the shingle beach has become much steeper and there has been cliff damage caused by fossil digging into cliff face. Erosion continues behind Bawdsey Manor. Stutton Ness - The path has been diverted to the foreshore (see ACCESS ) but the diverted route has also suffered from erosion. Reported to PRoW, because of the path damage. Erosion reported to SCDC/WN and EA along with displaced warning signs. Both organisations confirmed the signs are the responsibility of Pontins, who were duly informed. Still awaiting a response. Erosion and missing sign reported to SCDC/WN and EA. Confirmation received that sign was recovered and would be reinstated on the outfall. Bawdsey Coastal Partnership notified. Erosion issues reported to SCDC and EA; fossil digging concerns reported to landowner. Reported to PRoW. COASTAL CHANGE Accretion: Accumulation of sediment (sand, gravel, shingle etc.) was noted on occasions at Easton Broad and Southwold. At Shingle Street, the spit on the south side of the river mouth has undergone marked changes during the year, mainly the formation of a long curving bank extending from the tip of the spit northwards and westwards. A sizeable lagoon has formed (Dec. 2016) which is only open to the sea for about 40% of its circumference. The shingle ridges are now very high. At Levington, it was noted that the 2013 breach has recovered well.

8 ACCESS: The good condition of paths was noted at numerous locations including, Robinson s Marshes, Blackshore (Harbour) Road, Tinkers Marsh, Southwold; Walberswick Marshes, A lovely walk. ; River Alde, Snape; Shingle Street to Butley Creek, Excellent! ; Orford and Falkenham/Kirton Marshes. Seasonal issues were noted at Shotley, large cracks in path; Orwell Country Park, seasonal drainage issues; Orford, Chantry Marshes, very muddy and Woolverstone, paths overgrown and muddy in places after recent heavy rain. Issues concerning erosion, seasonal impacts including vegetation cutting, and PRoW signing and furniture were noted at Bulcamp Marshes, Blythburgh; Boyton; Shingle Street to Bawdsey; Ramsholt and Shotley. Compliments passed to PRoW - much appreciated, thank you! Issues passed to PRoW. NB. Please see note at end of document regarding reporting access issues. Potters Bridge, Reydon - Due to the condition of the boardwalk between Potter s Bridge and the Benacre Estate, the path was closed. The alternative route was not pleasant and dangerous, along a busy road lacking a path. Reydon Marsh - Very overgrown and difficult to walk. Fingerpost and Sandlings Walk sign in need of repair. Walberswick side of Blyth Harbour - Footpath very wet with large, non-draining puddles. Sizewell and Thorpeness - Cliff path badly eroded in in places. Aldeburgh - Footpath closed due to flood defence work being undertaken by the EA. Hazlewood Marshes - The section of Suffolk Coast Path from the SWT car park to Aldeburgh is very busy and difficult to cross. PRoW were aware of the issue, which is complicated and involves landowners. It is hoped that Coastal Access will help resolve the problem. Reported to PRoW. Once it had been cut the Warden commented, it was a very pleasant walk. The Fingerpost has been replaced and SW plaques added. EA were carrying out defence works on the wall and the path was going to be resurfaced on completion of the work. PRoW aware and working with contractors to repair as necessary. Information obtained and added to promoted route section on SCH website. Comment passed to relevant staff member at SCH AONB.

9 Snape Maltings - Fingerpost leaning against bridge, dog bin attached. East Lane, Bawdsey - Motorbikes (3) being ridden along Public Footpath, including at high speed along the sea wall, and onto the beach and vegetated shingle which is a SSSI. Falkenham Creek - A very deep hole, obscured by tall grass, was reported. Waldringfield to Hemley - Issues raised about out of date closure notices, a tree obstructing the footpath and a leaning fingerpost. Martlesham Creek - Signs referring to no through route need repairing. Sluice Wood, Martlesham - Damage to mesh on bridge and boardwalk; muddy path. Woodbridge river wall during 2016, EA undertook flood defence works, so closures were in place. Once complete, a wheelchair user commented that access was acceptable. However, frequent flooding has since been noted between the railway bridge and shelter on the corner. Over the summer, a Warden kindly cut back vegetation from the Tide Mill, Woodbridge and Wilford Bridge, Melton (also the Sandlings Walk) to improve ease of access. PRoW had received similar reports over the summer, concerning the level of encroachment/lack of cutting. Melton Fingerpost faded and covered by vegetation. Exposed hessian beneath footpath surface. Landguard, Felixstowe - Some steps on the Reserve require maintenance as they have deteriorated over the winter. PRoW informed and clarified that WN are responsible due to dog bin attached. WN duly notified. Reported to the Police, PRoW, EA and NE. NE raised the issue with the landowner. PRoW were notified and investigated. The hole couldn t be found, but they met a farm worker who was aware and was going to fill it in. Unsure of current situation. All issues passed on to PRoW. PRoW informed and will replace signs. PRoW informed. PRoW informed of flooding issue they are investigating. PRoW informed. The issue arose due to a combination of factors including increased early summer growth and path issues ie. steel piling edges, numerous cables and posts associated with the boats. PRoW will be investigating how it is cut in the future in order to address issues raised. PRoW to investigate. Suggested it may have been left due to issues with position of Fingerpost in tarmac path. PRoW investigated and concluded it was safe for the time-being but will monitor. Reported to Landguard Ranger. Agreed that certain steps require replacement, but currently acceptable.

10 The Ranger will cite this report in a bid to obtain funding for the repairs. Felixstowe, Trimley St. Martin, Levington and Pin Mill - Wardens reported various signing and access issues, relating to the Suffolk Coast Path and Stour & Orwell Walk. Stutton - Path diverted to foreshore at Stutton Ness, but impassable westwards due to very high tide and erosion (see COASTAL CHANGE.) The sign pointing to eroded cliffs has been lost. Cattawade - run-off from adjacent fields resulting in standing water on the path and is impassable. The detour involves crossing the railway line on foot, which is not pleasant or safe. Unsteady stile noted as well. Reported to relevant staff member at SCH AONB. PRoW informed. PRoW informed and have since confirmed that EA have made a partial improvement. FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS Dead Species: Dog fish x2, skate, seal, muntjac and herring gull. A young gannet was found, still alive but its beak and feet tangled in fishing net. Helped by a bird watcher, the Warden removed the net from the feet, but needed scissors, a knife and the help of a 3 rd person, to cut all the net off its beak, as it was bound so tightly. The bird was still alive at this stage but passed away as the Warden was taking it to their house to phone for help. Many reports of stranded, primarily crystal jellyfish over the summer. Large numbers washed up at Pakefield and Alderton, also Southwold, Ramsholt, Bawdsey and Nacton, photo Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. Reported to MCS jellyfish survey, Report+wildlife+sightings/MCS+Jellyfish+Survey Due to an increase in crystal jellyfish sightings in 2016, MCS will add it to their survey form.

11 FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS - Birds: Sadly, Wardens reported no evidence of ground nesting birds (little tern, ringed plover etc.) breeding at Easton Broad or Shingle Street, despite fencing installed by NE. On a positive note, the fencing remained intact for the duration of the breeding season. Wardens observed sand martins nesting in cliffs at Easton Bavents, though sadly not in the cliffs at Thorpeness, as in previous years. Notable observations included, skylark, nightingale, marsh harriers (one of nature s success stories, especially on the east coast), little egret (increasingly common this would have been a rare sight a mere 30 years ago!), kingfisher, buzzard (increasingly common in Suffolk), shelduck and chicks, black tailed godwit, sandpiper, hobby, large flocks of barnacle geese, flocks of curlew, dunlin, redshank and twite. Black swans were regular sightings on the Deben at Woodbridge. 2 swallows were noted at Southwold on the 8 th Oct. Up to 9 short-eared owls were seen on numerous occasions at Shingle Street. A grey heron was seen to take a large rat and then flew off with it! A Warden witnessed a barn owl quartering in close proximity. It was joined by another, and a territorial fight ensued. The second owl was seen off by the original bird, which continued quartering the area. FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS - Mammals: Seals were seen off the coast at Southwold and on the Deben. A hare and stoats were witnessed, and otter evidence was seen at Blythburgh, Reydon and Walberswick. One very lucky Warden saw a porpoise off the coast at Bawdsey! FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS - Reptiles: A Warden reported an adder sighting, but thankfully without incident. The 2016 SBIS results will be published later this year. Publication of Knowing Your Place: Wildlife in Shingle Street and Life on the Edge: A Brief History of Shingle Street are written by Shingle Street residents, and have raised considerable interest, and both are now in their third reprint. species-explorer/seals%2c-turtles-and-other-marinemammals NB. It is quite unlikely to encounter an adder or indeed any snake. They have an incredible sense of smell and detect vibration at great distances. They will be aware of your presence and generally retreat long before you are close. Dogs off the lead approach far more quickly, and in doing so, adders will be quick to defend themselves. If you or your dog, do get bitten, please contact the emergency services immediately. Please refer to the Risk Assessment in your Coast & Estuary Warden pack.

12 FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS Invertebrates: One Warden witnessed a profusion of common blue damselflies, small skipper butterflies and a small number of common blue, all on one occasion. A stag beetle was recorded. FLORA AND FAUNA OBSERVATIONS Flora: Those noted included, wild daffodils, sea kale, sea spurge, native bluebells though sadly on an eroding cliff, sea lavender, sae holly, sea pea and sea poppy. hunt/stag-hunt-survey/?gclid=ci24qs3e- 9ECFYO77QodqZcHUw POSITIVE COMMENTS AND GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: Pakefield Cliff: Frequented by lots of dog walkers, but clean and pleasant. Sutton Hoo, Bromeswell: Attended a NT guided walk around Sutton Hoo. Everything in an excellent state of repair and very accessible. Kyson Hill, Woodbridge: Suffolk National Trust Volunteers work party to pollard an oak tree to prevent disease and aid longevity; hay raking; repairing a set of steps on the Sandlings Walk, to improve access. More work to follow. Photos can be seen at Felixstowe Ferry: The area is generally well maintained. Felixstowe Sea Front: The area is well maintained, and has benefited from recent improvements. No issues observed. Some litter and overflowing bins on Carnival Day, but generally the area was clean and tidy. The area was congested when it was Art on the Prom, but great to see so many people enjoying the area. Landguard, Felixstowe: Generally well maintained. John Bradfield Viewing Area, Felixstowe: Area seems to be benefitting from the addition of the café and additional parking, but the increase in visitors has caused car parking issues. Has it impacted on the Nature Reserve? Shotley Marina: Well-maintained area, and very popular with visitors coming by car, on foot and by boat. No incidents observed. Dawns Covert, Chelmondiston: NT work party to cut back vegetation and promote heather growth on the heathland. Well maintained area; no litter. It was very encouraging to see that the gorse that had previously been removed had not grown back, and heather is now thriving. An on-going project, but great to see the progress being made in promoting the heathland.

13 Freston to Chelmondiston: A pleasant walk in natural countryside, comprising foreshore and woods. Cliff Plantation, Chelmondiston: Suffolk National Trust Volunteers work party to coppice part of the woods to improve access and provide more space for better established trees. The cut wood is sold by the NT to fund the on-going work. A number of walkers, and a house boat owner, complimented the work. The area is well maintained, with only a small amount of litter. People seen sleeping in tents, but unable to ascertain if sleeping rough or wild camping. Whichever, it is a NT property where camping is not permitted. Photos can be seen at Pin Mill: No real issues. A well maintained area, with lots of visitors. Orwell Country Park: Anti-social activity is an on-going issue here, especially in the wooded area to the right of the path. Police are aware and patrol the area. Reporting Public Footpath issues: I have received the following advice from the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) team: We (PRoW) expect walkers to use an Ordnance Survey (OS) map, if they are walking in an area unknown to them. Therefore, the purpose of a waymark is to sign a location where the mapping may not be sufficient to clarify the route. For example, where two paths are at similar angles, a disc may be required to distinguish a private one from the PRoW. If the issue concerns one of the AONB s long distance routes (LDR s), namely the Suffolk Coast Path, Stour & Orwell Walk or The Sandlings Walk, we would also expect the walker to be accompanied by the published guide. Again, if we feel further clarification is necessary on the ground, then we will investigate the feasibility of adding additional discs to mark our routes. When you are reporting such issues, please can you clarify whether it is a Public Right of Way requiring additional signing and/or one of the AONB s long distance routes the Suffolk Coast Path/the Stour & Orwell Walk/the Sandlings Walk - having first decided if the need fits the criteria outlined above. If possible, please include a 6 figure grid reference (this is useful for any incident you are reporting), Obviously if the Fingerpost or waymarker post is damaged or thought to be missing, then replacement is necessary.

14 List of acronyms: AONB: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BW: Beachwatch Cefas: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science EA: Environment Agency GBBC: Great British Beach Clean IBC: Ipswich Borough Council MCS: Marine Conservation Society NE: Natural England NT: National Trust PRoW: Public Rights of Way SBIS: Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service SCC: Suffolk County Council SCH: Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB SCDC: Suffolk Coastal District Council SSSI: Site of Special Scientific Interest WDC: Waveney District Council WN: Waveney Norse IMPORTANT! We only ask for 1 report/year! This validates our insurance for YOU! Thanks to Coast & Estuary Warden, Keith Tarrant for the cartoon! In Summary: 176 Reports submitted an increase on 2015, when 59 reports were received! 36 Wardens submitted Reports an increase on 2016, when 14 Wardens submitted reports. 22 Areas received Reports which means all areas received Reports! This is an improvement on last year when 5 maps received no reports! Thank you for your hard work and commitment in making 2016 such a record breaking year!