Managed Retreat Collection

Established saltmarsh with Common sea lavender (Limonium vulgare) growing on saltmarsh, Abbotts Hall Farm Nature Reserve, Essex, UK, July

Common glasswort (Salicornia europaea) growing on regenerated saltmarsh habitat, Abbotts Hall Farm Nature Reserve, Essex, England, UK, July

View of regenerated saltmarsh landscape around Abbots Hall Farm Nature Reserve at high tide, providing both a rich wildlife habitat and greater flood protection from sea level rise, Essex, England

Remnant saltmarsh and coastal realignment at Abbotts Hall Farm, Essex, UK, March 2012. Did you know? 24% of the English coastline is saltmarsh

Saltmarsh and reclaimed agricultural land from the air. Abbotts Hall Farm, Essex, UK, March 2012

Saltmarsh at twilight, with lights of Bradwell-on-Sea in the background, Abbotts Hall Farm Nature Reserve, Essex, England, UK, July 2011

Common sea lavender (Limonium vulgare) and Sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) growing on regenerated saltmarsh habitat, with rainbow, Abbotts Hall Farm Nature Reserve, Essex, England, UK

Water channels making patterns in saltmarsh, seen from the air. Abbotts Hall Farm, Essex, UK, April 2012

Reserve entrance sign and path in estuary marshland, reclaimed saltmarsh in managed retreat scheme, Wallasea Island RSPB Reserve, Wallasea Island, Essex, England, February

View over estuary marshland from coastal embankment, reclaimed saltmarsh in managed retreat scheme, Wallasea Island RSPB Reserve, Wallasea Island, Essex, England, January

The Breach at Alkborough on the Humber Estuary in Eastern England. As sea levels rise around the world many areas of
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"Managed Retreat: Protecting Low-Lying Land from Coastal Flooding" As sea levels continue to rise around the world, many areas of low-lying land face an increasing risk of coastal flooding. The Breach at Alkborough on the Humber Estuary in Eastern England serves as a stark reminder of this pressing issue. With each passing year, it becomes more expensive to protect these vulnerable regions. In response to this challenge, innovative strategies such as they have emerged. This approach involves allowing nature to reclaim certain areas while creating new habitats that can withstand rising tides and provide valuable ecological benefits. One success story is seen in the regenerated saltmarsh habitat surrounding Abbots Hall Farm Nature Reserve. Common glasswort thrives here, offering a glimpse into the resilience of nature when given space to flourish. From above, water channels create mesmerizing patterns across the saltmarsh landscape, showcasing both its beauty and functionality. Coastal realignment has also been implemented at Abbotts Hall Farm in Essex, UK. Remnant saltmarshes serve as reminders of how human intervention can coexist harmoniously with natural processes. As twilight descends upon this serene scene, lights from nearby Bradwell-on-Sea illuminate the horizon—a testament to our interconnectedness with these fragile ecosystems. Within these rejuvenated marshlands lie thriving communities of common sea lavender and sea purslane—hardy plants that have adapted remarkably well to their saline surroundings. Their presence not only adds aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts. Managed retreat offers hope for a sustainable future amidst climate uncertainty. By embracing nature's regenerative powers and working hand-in-hand with natural processes like tidal movements and sediment deposition, we can strike a delicate balance between protecting our coastlines and preserving precious ecosystems for generations to come. So let us learn from places like Abbotts Hall Farm where water channels carve intricate designs through saltmarshes from above—an aerial reminder that managed retreat is not just a concept but a tangible solution.