The Environment Agency is starting work at RSPB Minsmere this month to continue protection from flooding to internationally important flora and fauna, including bitterns, avocets and marsh sow-thistle.
The Agency will be raising and improving banks at the reserve which lies on one of the UK's fastest-eroding coastlines. Freshwater habitats on this coastline are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels and potential saltwater flooding.
Minsmere valley is legally protected by various national and international designations, including 246ha of Natura 2000 habitat, protected under European legislation.
The Environment Agency will raise and improve the Coney Hill Cross Bank (also known as the North Wall). This will allow continued protection of the Minsmere valley without interfering with natural coastal processes or damaging important coastal habitats, landscape and access to the coastal path.
Sea defences at the northern end of the site will be allowed to breach, which will result in the shingle habitat moving inland under natural processes in response to rising sea levels and readjustment of the coastline.
Two smaller bunds will be built to connect the primary and secondary defences just south of the Coney Hill Cross Bank. This will control the movement of water and reduce the risk of the secondary flood defences failing during a storm surge.
Richard Houghton, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency said:
‘This work is hugely important to ensure that species such as bittern and marsh harrier can continue to thrive at RSPB Minsmere, and remain as a top visitor destination for Suffolk. Birds and plants at the reserve are flourishing and this work will help keep it that way.’
RSPB spokesman Ian Barthorpe, said:
“Minsmere’s freshwater habitats are among the most important in the UK for a host of different species, many of which owe their continued survival in the UK to the work of the RSPB. This project will ensure the long-term future of these species, and the habitats on which they depend, maintaining Minsmere’s reputation as the best place to watch wildlife in the UK.”
Construction work on the North Wall should begin in mid-August. The main construction work is due to be complete by February 2012, subject to weather conditions.
The Silvertown Tunnel’s pumping system is reducing the risk of flooding, delays and costly maintenance, while supporting the long-term resilience of London’s transport network, says Ian Ireland, large pumping projects programme manager, Xylem UK.
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia.
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video. 
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.