Severn Estuary Strategy

Vicky DurstonStrategy Engagement OfficerFlood and Coastal Risk Management, Wessex Area14 May 2013

What are we trying to Achieve?

Planning for climate changeManaging defences Prioritising investmentMeeting legal obligations (mainly Habitat Regs)

Where we were (2011 consultation)

Defra 2006 SLRPut lines on maps for Managed realignments policy in SMPTried to compensate for all change to designated habitat (natural and FCRM)Assumed adoption of SMP had paved the way for StrategyFeedback from consultation – communities affected by MR (about 1% of estuary population) not happyRe-think at all levels, involved the Minister

Technical changes

Sea level rise predictions reduced (and acknowledge that current measurements are even less)FCRM strategy need only consider coastal squeeze on FCRM assetsNatural change is inevitable (e.g. mudflats will submerge)

Engagement changes

Strategy comms officers kick started long term local discussion groupsConfirmation that compulsory purchase won’t be used for MR Choices for landowners if EA can’t continue as beforeNo lines on maps therefore no blighting of landholding

2013 consultation

On-line consultation exercise, targeted at those previously most affectedReflect community boundaries rather than just flood cellsMonitoring to ensure timing of actions reflects actual SLR rather than computer models/predictions, so less about epochsHosted by SEP, joint EA /NRWwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/severnestuary

Where are we with compensatory habitat?

Steart coastal change project underway Negotiations well advanced at sites at Alvington, Congresbury YeoLower end of estimate of losses coveredIf SLR increases, we expect other landowners to take up the option

Saving wetlands for wildlife & people

Steart – Scheme under construction

Intertidal Habitat

Tidally Regulated

Habitat

Freshwater Habitat

Severn Estuary

Parrett Estuary

Summary- a different way of working

Localism impacts on strategiesHave to keep long term options open – partnership workingLess prescriptive, more adaptiveNow have better communication with communities